3+1 vs 4/5v Eb?

[Eflatdoubler]

Oops- I was wrong on my bell request... My solo is 16 3/4” which I am quite fond of. I have played a yamaha 321 EE flat tuba which was my favorite of all the yamaha EE flat tubas, I just don’t like 4 valves in a row, and either need a compensating system or a 5th valve. It would be great to try a John Packer with a Yamaha bell. Bring it to TMEA if you find one!

[dopey]

For those curious on the decision.

I will be selling my Wessex Solo 3+1, and ordering the Gnagey. I have a probable buyer taking the train up tomorrow for a play test and a second one lined up if it falls through. Feels like a good home, student in college it seems.

Now the only remaining decision silver vs lacquer. I know better than to ask that question here:) Personally love the look of silver, but trying to reconcile that with the reality of maintenance.

[Donn]

Glad you didn't ask that question!

[Bob Kolada]

On a walking bass line or fast technical passage I just use the 3 valves. Use the 4th only for sustained notes.
And I know some secret Voodoo fingerings to adjust intonation on some pitches.

There's several videos of Bill Reichenbach playing Eb on youtube in a big band and he seems to do this- basically play it as a 3 valve horn with a low range/octave key.


https://youtu.be/P85yR5CSzuk

[jeopardymaster]

You might consider trying a used Besson 983 when one becomes available. That would offer the best (and I suppose the worst) of both worlds. Compensating 4 valve horn, front action. I like mine, but holding 4 down with my right pinky can tie up my other fingers a bit, which is a big advantage for the 3+1 configuration. Unfortunately I found some of them to be lemons.

[dopey]

3+1 is sold/gone. Went to a student fresh out of gymnasium (a cross between highschool and college/trade school/I have no idea really).

If anyone is curious, I went with silver for the gnagey. After extensive research, I am convinced it will provide a better sound over lacquer.


Kidding, I just think it looks great and I'll tolerate the maintenance.

[Teditiks]

Congrats on your new metal Jacob. I was in your position a while ago, but have decided to wait for the 6/4 Eb Wessex has in the making. Interested to hear your thoughts on the Gnagey though, when you have warmed up on it.....

//T

[dopey]

So far I am really happy with it. I suppose I could do a new post/review if interest. Considering I bought my last wessex 4 years ago, it's interesting to see the differences. Very different case now, and the horn also feels really great.

I've only sat down and just played for a short while, I did have a tuner on the stand but didn't try to tune it. I'd say 'out of the box' it landed much more on the green than my last wessex.

It also feels more clear, though i'm not sure listening to me play you'll hear any difference:D.
I was able to much more easily play down to and below low F. On the 3+1, with the same mouthpiece it felt more difficult.
Eb for example also just felt allot more centered/solid/something?

I'm actually not very good at all these words to describe how a tuba behaves.. It felt better to me than my 3+1, and i'm happy with my purchase! Something about that 3+1 just made me feel like I was playing a giant euph, not a tuba. The front action makes me feel like i'm playing a tuba:)

I did record my last playing session at home with the 3+1 Wessex before selling it. I tend to play amazing grace quite often(poorly however).

Wessex 3+1:
http://dopey.io/tuba/recordings/amazing_wessex_solo.mp3" target="_blank

Gnagey just a few minutes ago:
http://dopey.io/tuba/recordings/amazing_gnagey.mp3" target="_blank

Do keep in mind *I* suck, so don't judge either horn by my inability to play:) But it's fun nonetheless.