Tubas currently at Dillon Music

[Wes Krygsman]

Hello everyone!

I just had a chance today to once again visit Dillon Music (a frequent occurrence since I live in NJ), and I wanted to give a quick rundown of some tubas I got to play while I got a bass trombone repair/customization done in case anyone is thinking about anything there. I am not sponsored by them or endorsing them necessarily, but I figured if anyone was thinking about any tubas in their inventory, this may be helpful.

I went for the repair, but also set up a sales appointment to try the lacquer demo Eastman 834 CC tuba. I remember playing it and liking it at the Army Band workshop earlier this year, and I think this is the same one. I am surprised it was still there, especially because it isn't in production yet, so I figured I'd give it a try.

While the smaller practice rooms at Dillon's make hearing instruments interesting, here's my take away.

I think the 834 is even better than the already good 4/4 Eastman CC's (the 632 and 832). The 834 has more of a tall & skinny profile of the outer branches like a MW Thor, but the valve setup was much more ergonomic for me than any of the Thors I had tried in the past. The sound was a bit punchier and brighter to my ear and it was mostly in tune. The bottom line G was the only note that seemed fairly out of tune (about 25 cents flat), but I only had one mouthpiece with me, so I have a feeling that a different mouthpiece might have better results. That G was in tune with 1+3 valve combination though, so an easy workaround if it wasn't my mouthpiece causing it. In contrast, the 632 & 832 seem to be shorter, squattier, and wider in outer bow profile.

Then I tried the Eastman 836's that they had out (2 silver and one lacquer) and once again was very impressed. I do love my Nirschl York, but if I had access to an unlimited bank account, I'd also get one of these and a Yamayork that they were based on. All 3 836's played similarly, with slight differences. They all feel a little smaller/easier/more nimble than my Nirschl, but with just enough sound.

Lastly, I tried the HB50 they had there as well. It was also good, but not quite my cup of tea, with too dark of a sound. They had a few F tubas that I didn't get to try (Miraphone, Eastman, Dillon), and a bunch of B flat tubas in the other room for anyone else looking to make a trip there.

Not sure if anyone cares about my opinion or quick review, but there it is. Hope it helps someone.