Posted by ken k on March 01, 2000 at 23:36:40:
In Reply to: Eb popularity posted by DaveC on March 01, 2000 at 08:02:11:
One of the things that the Eb tuba had to overcome, especially here in USA was that in the beginning of the now last century (I am still not used to saying that!)the Ebs were very tiny and often used as student horns. And after you played a few years you "Moved up " to the BBb. I know there were some big ones made, but I think that may have come later in the century. I've seen and tried to play some old miniEbs that were really pretty bad horns. That of course is history now luckily. Although it still would make sense to start kids on smaller Ebs. I know Besson make their 700 series for that purpose, but now that there are many nice 3/4 student BBb horns out there it sort of makes the small Eb not as necessary. Also, your average school band player doesn't have to learn a new set of fingerings, etc. That is one thing that they do not have to deal with in England. Everyone plays treble clef! I really don't care why they are becoming more accepted. I am just glad that they are!
ken k