u/Star_Geek57

Just curious as to what everyone's preference is when it comes to Eb tubas.

My band director in my community band is asking me to cover down on Tuba for a bit while one of our members is out for medical reasons, so I've been getting a lot more playing time on my Besson and I'm not quite sure if I like the compensating system on it. I have to preface the fact that it is a 70+ year old instrument so I'm probably suffering from quirks of it being old, but it really feels like the low end gets super stuffy after low G (124). So I was wondering what everyone else's opinion was on compensating Eb/they're preferred Eb set up?

Hey y'all! I'm starting to get to the point in my search where I think I need some advice. For context, I currently play on a Yamaha YEP-621S and I absolutely love the sound, ergonomics, blow, ect of it and I wouldn't feel a particular need to upgrade if it wasn't for the fact that it's unfortunately not holding up. I suspect that the previous owner dropped it at some point because despite repairs the 3rd valve slide is out of alignment and requires an unnecessary amount of force to move. On top of that the horn has developed a crack in the 3rd valve loop for the second time in the same spot. I've had it patched in the past but it's just not holding up to constant use and as much as I love the horn, I don't want to keep dumping money into it when I could get a new/better horn. Ideally I'd want another 621S but they're not readily available in the US and import fees would make it cost as much as a decent compensator.

Currently I've been able to play testing a YEP-642II and a Willson Q90S and I enjoyed both horns equally.

I've also looked at the Willson K56S, but haven't played it. I'd like to look at a K46 since it seems like it'd be fairly close to my 621 but no one seems to keep those on hand.

Other horns that have piqued my interest but I haven't been able to play or look at in person are the Eastman EEP526 and the JP247 & JP347.

TLDR: my Yamaha 621 is in need of retirement. I like the Yamaha and Willson offerings, but am also interested in Eastman and John Packer's offerings. I'd like to get a new instrument, but I'm open to used options depending on the price and condition. Compensating system isn't a requirement for me, but large shank and 3+1 is a requirement.

Any advice is welcome!