E Flat tuba choice and why?

[Lectron]

I actually sold my mid 80's 981 and now use a Melton 2040/5. Great horn with a stonking low register (once you get used to non comp fingerings being in the uk) and use it for everything unless a big tuba or something specific is needed. Much squarer sound than the besson's but with more power.

I see you also have the Besson 995.
That was the sound I wanted from an Eb (scalded down). I know it has got some mixed reviews,
but I really like the horn and the (different) tonal qualities I can get from it.

I was fairly close with an old Besson I had years back (Or was it boosey? It was before nylon guides)
I'm very happy with my York, and the 2141 was very close but lacked a bit in 'broadness'

Meinl Weston (and MANY musicians) are so happy with it, it'll probably stay unchanged for generations.
It is that sound they where aiming for making the 2060 F tuba, and that is the reason for the 5th and 6th
being depended. They simply couldn't make it with those extra 4" of valve cluster/disturbance and keep the sound

[thattubaguy]

My votes go to old Holtons/Yorks and their Kanstul counterparts.

[windshieldbug]

Meinl-Weston 45F 5-valve with the thumb trigger held down

[bobn]

I play a Yamaha YEB321 with added fifth valve but am seriously considering a switch to a larger front action Eb.

Bob

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I have a 983, that I really enjoy playing. It blows very easily, and is a FUN horn for me.

I also have an old King Eb helicon (Thanks, Dan!), and a Reynolds 4 valve Eb sousaphone, and a York Master 3 valve sousie.

[elihellsten]

I use a Norwegian Star for most solo and ensemble playing, but a Besson for brass band.

[Yane]

Actually I have the Boosey ancestor of the 982, usually paired with a Dillon PS3. Got it because the price was right and the Eb made for a small jump from euphonium. It has proven a nice horn for all around use; sometimes I switch up mouthpieces depending on the tessitura of the piece. I lust after the Miraphone Eb compensator.

[Tubaru]

I have a St. Pete 206N that I use for Quintet, brass ensembles, concert band and orchestra. I find it suits my needs for pretty much everything. I get lots of complements on my sound and how well I blend in ensembles.

[Jack Denniston]

"Willson 3400S. Great all around tuba, incredible sound, really good intonation, extremely well built. For me, the best bass tuba option out there that I know of."

+1

[opus37]

I use a Kanstul for quintet and solo work and a Martin monster for most community band stuff. I do this because community band has a higher risk of bumps and things. I don't want to mess up my Kanstul. Besides, the Kanstul seems to really sound wonderful in the church.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I forgot to add the "Why" to my entry...

The reason I purchased the 983 in the first place, was that I wanted an F tuba, but I had little experience with the "dreaded low range" of most rotary F tubas of the time. I decided that F was too problematic, and Eb was easier to negotiate, so I got the Besson.

About a year or two later I realized that I still wanted that rotary F sound, so I ended up getting an F anyway!

Each horn has it's own charm, but the Besson is just flat-out fun.

[hbcrandy]

I use my York Monster 5 valved Eb tuba. It gives me the facility of an Eb tuba yet sounds like a tuba When played in a large orchestra.

[TMurphy]

Besson 983, because I am still, 10 years after buying in, in love with its sound.

[Antontuba]

981, big enough for orchestra and concert band, has good full sound when I step on the gas, and nimble enough.

Adam

[Jess Haney]

For me its the Willson 3400.

[j.picard]

My EEb tuba is a Besson 981 (J. Fletcher model) from 1986. The intonation is very good and the tuba plays very easily. The sound is big, big...and it's an all-around tuba, the ideal for brass quintet. I play with a Shilke 67 and even my PT-88 makes the sound bigger.
Jacques Picard, from Quebec city, Canada.