Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/1/2011

Question
Spoke to you about aging my Tuba but if I could ask, how would I know if it is an Eb? As haven't a clue what that means anyway. I'm selling the Tuba for my local Air Cadets to raise some money.

Thanks

Answer
Eb tubas were the most popular form of bass in the 19th Century, but in the 20th Century, the BBb tuba became the dominant form of bass.  Today, only a few old timers (like me) can be found playing Ebs.  

You can determine if it is an Eb either by playing it, where the lowest note on the horn with no valves pressed will be an Eb.  

Or, you can measure the length of the tubing from the mouthpipe to the bell, following the curves, but ignoring the tubing that branches off the valves - just measure across the valves, and go on.  If you get a measure around 165, it is an Eb.  If you get around 220, it is a BBb.