Eastman 836 in Raw Brass?

[gtuba22]

Hello!

Has anyone heard anything about the 836 in raw brass? Like when it will be available, how much it will cost, and if it is better or worse than silver?

Thank you

[The Bone Ranger]

I was in the room while a silver, lacquer and raw brass 836 were being compared by a colleague.

There were obvious differences in sound when listening to these three particular horns, and especially the raw brass version, but I doubt the finish was the cause of this phenomenon. They were all really good horns, just different...

Andrew

[gtuba22]

The EBC836 is currently available in three finishes; lacquer, bright silver plate, and unlacquered raw brass. M.A.P. for the EBC836RB is $10,969.60 and can be ordered from any Eastman dealer.

To date, I have not ordered anything but silver plate but will order another finish if requested. I have not played a raw brass model but did have a few minutes on one equipped with a silver plated gold brass bell. It was in the elephant room at the Army Workshop and it's been too long to remember specifics, but I'd like to spend more time with it.

There are individual preferences for finishes and you'll have to make the decision about which one works best for you and your playing requirements. There are a few Eastman dealers on the forum and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.

Do you happen to have pictures of the raw brass horn you can send me? Thank you

[Rick Denney]

Take a look at Eastman's website and their endorsed artists. Scroll down to find Tim Buzbee and you will see a raw brass horn that had a "patina treatment" (for lack of a better term) and then an epoxy lacquer over it. That's the closest I can find at the moment.

The picture of Jarrod Williams shows it even more clearly.

But I think the raw brass saxophones on that page will give a better impression of a raw brass tuba that is not kept polished: dull brown. My 70's-era raw brass Miraphone would form a nice patina after polishing it out, but the York Master would go dull brown like most raw brass. I suspect the old Miraphone had a bit more copper in the alloy.

Rick "not really a fan of raw brass but have owned a few" Denney

[roweenie]

I'm guessing that the slide tubing is nickel-silver. As with "roweenie", (aesthetically) if the bow caps are brass, I believe an "all brass" appearance is more pleasing, which would include brass slide tubing.

Yes.

Some people, regarding frankentubas (as is with the case with some antique car folks) enjoy that patchwork look of something put together in a funky but interesting way. (Not my cup of tea - also with antique automobiles - but everyone is entitled to their preferences, and that's what makes life interesting. I can still appreciate the thought and effort that goes into it.)

Not so much (I would think) in a brand new horn that costs upwards of $10,000.

FWIW, I wonder if the raw brass version also comes with a correspondingly lower price, compared to the silver plated one.

[bort]

Tiger stripe...?

[bort]

Tiger stripe...?

I know, weak term but the connotation is there.

Maybe I should have said, oh, that's different!

(Not my favorite look, but I get it. Sort of a blingless bling. BTW, does Eastman have any rotary CC tubas planned? Asking for a friend.)

[Rick Denney]

...BTW, does Eastman have any rotary CC tubas planned? Asking for a "friend."

Fixed that for you.

Rick " " Denney

[Gilly]

I tried all 3 finishes earlier this year. The silver and raw examples were from later batches. Fit and finish went to the silver - slide alignment and valve caps were spot on. The other 2 weren't far behind but each had their noticeable issues. I was impressed how similar they were to play and respond. Intonation was very consistent. The raw brass one for me had the most unique and resonant sound. However, this resonance also came at the expense of clarity & focus. When playing faster articulate passages, the raw version struggled more, particularly against the silver.

[gtuba22]

I tried all 3 finishes earlier this year. The silver and raw examples were from later batches. Fit and finish went to the silver - slide alignment and valve caps were spot on. The other 2 weren't far behind but each had their noticeable issues. I was impressed how similar they were to play and respond. Intonation was very consistent. The raw brass one for me had the most unique and resonant sound. However, this resonance also came at the expense of clarity & focus. When playing faster articulate passages, the raw version struggled more, particularly against the silver.

Thank you for this!