Originally Posted by
davewerden
After many years of hearing various tubas in ensembles, I will say that the larger CC/BBb horns can add a "velvety depth" of sound that is hard to achieve on an Eb. It's a matter of the tonal balance, not volume. On the other hand, an Eb can add clarity in technical or declarative passages that might not be there with CC/BBb.
All true. In addition, the Eb will typically sound noticeably better above the (BC) staff. The contrabass will give you that "surround sound" effect, but the bass will give you a kind of clarity the contrabass won't. Tradeoffs.
In community bands, I have seen my share of BBb players simply avoid the top of the staff and beyond, either dropping out or playing down an octave. On the other hand, when mining in the octave below the staff, the Eb is definitely more work (and physical effort in many cases) -- and the tonal quality is not you'd like it to be unless you have BIG Eb (and I mean bigger than the typical 4-valve Besson-style horns that are favored). Mouthpiece choice can attenuate some of the issues.
I suspect that the retailer who doesn't want to get involved in Eb consignments is simply being realistic about the potential customer base (in the US), and how long such a horn would gather dust in his store.
Gosh, I haven't played in a few years now. I really should get back to it. But it's still so hit and miss in terms of community bands around here (practices and events), that I'm still just sitting and waiting. But I've been thinking I'll probably go back with the Eb tuba instead of the bass trombone -- assuming my back will agree to hauling it around. Kind of wishing I had a Bombino now instead of the Champion. Of course, I could always use the Buescher -- but that's a whole different sort of challenge.
Gary Merrill
Wessex EEb Bass tuba (DW 3XL or 2XL)
Mack Brass Compensating Euph (DE N106, Euph J, J9 euph)
Amati Oval Euph (DE 104, Euph J, J6 euph)
1924 Buescher 3-valve Eb tuba (with std US receiver), Kelly 25
Schiller American Heritage 7B clone bass trombone (DE LB K/K10/112/14 Lexan, Brass Ark MV50R)
1947 Olds "Standard" trombone (Olds #3)