Posted by Doc on December 22, 2003 at 19:33:46:
In Reply to: F or Eb? posted by BBb Guy on December 22, 2003 at 18:22:11:
Since you say you're going to use it for dixieland and quintet, then I would definitely say Eb. If you are keeping the BBb for big horn stuff, and just want to add a small horn to your arsenal to play "small horn stuff" on, then I would consider an F. If you were going to use just one horn, and the choices were either an Eb or an F, Eb would be the best choice overall to cover dixieland, quintet, and larger ensemble playing.
The fingerings can come rather quickly if you stick with it. Look at it as a fun, new challenge with a new (or "new to you") horn. Play your new horn exclusively for a month or so, working on familiar exercise, songs, etc., and you'll be surprised how much you know.
That having been said, you could save yourself all the worry and buy a smaller BBb. Yamaha, Miraphone, Josef Lidl, Cerveny (Piggy), Meinl Weston (Handy), and Rudy Meinl are just a few makers. Just about every manufacturer makes a good small BBb, and quite a few make a good Eb and/or F. Good luck with your search.
Doc