Posted by Steve Inman on February 23, 2002 at 18:02:06:
In Reply to: Eb Tuba, Good/Bad posted by James on February 22, 2002 at 22:05:12:
I played BBb for about 25 years before switching to a Besson 983 Eb. A very nice choice of tuba, but a bit too much work when playing longer passages with extended low notes -- the kind of music I kept finding with pit orchestra scores with the local civic theater. Plus, I also needed something more "euph-like" for the 4th part of my brass quartet. So, now I'm playing a 3/4 F and have also purchased a 4/4 CC.
A Willson 5V Eb would probably have solved the low register difficulties I had with the compensating Besson. Unless you need a lighter sound for a small ensemble, I'm inclined to think the Willson is probably one good choice for a single, all-around tuba. Since you've already got the euph, consider the Willson Eb if you can aford it. [Equal time for the CC tuba: the Rudy Meinl 3/4 CC is another very good candidate for a single, all-around tuba, in my opinion.]
Steve Inman
Kokomo, IN