Posted by Steve Inman on January 15, 2001 at 15:48:51:
In Reply to: DW 3L posted by Michel on January 15, 2001 at 14:42:24:
My Besson 983 Eb tuba came with a DW3L in the case. As a former BBb player switching to Eb (since most of my playing is quartet/quintet), I was used to a slightly larger mpc (Bach 18). The 3L seemed too small for me. But, I suspect it's similar to the Bach 24AW in size and in design intent. I've heard some BBb players use the 24AW, but for me, it's a little small.
I traded in the 3L for a 2L for my Eb (2L is about the same as a Bach 18), and like that mpc for playing a wide range of material -- high and low. I'd bet the 2L is about the same as the small Helleberg in size, which seems to still be considered a modest mpc for a contrabass tuba.
In the DW family, I'd recommend trying the 2L or 1L for a larger bore contrabass horn. In other families, try a Bach 12, the larger Helleberg, or one of many PT mpcs out there. However, as was my situation, you'll feel most comfortable with something close in size to whatever you're used to.
Good luck.