TubaForum.net

Does anybody know anything about this horn? I've heard it exists but can't find anything online about it, besides an entry on Glen Cronkhite's shop.

I first thought the site might mean either EBC836 or 832, but those models are also covered. I wonder if it was a horn that was just never released or something?

The 832 looks to be a 4/4 CC, and the 836 is a 6/4 CC. Maybe the 834 was meant to be a 5/4CC that just never was released?

The Eastman EBC834 prototype has been taken apart (by me as per Eastman's request) and used as a parts horn as it was not a good enough to go into production. It was the EBC632 body with the bigger .748/.812" bore valve section of the 836 tubas. Intonation and security of response was crap with that experiment. Bigger valves are not always better except maybe to those who also drive little red sports cars. Anyway, the EBC832 rose from those ashes with the same York style valve tubing wrap as the bigger 836 tuba but with a bore of .687/.728" and a return to the good intonation of the EBC632 and a slightly more open blow in the lower register.

Matt, I tried an 832 at Park Ave. Music in San Jose, Ca. I liked it! It blew very nicely, and seemed pretty well in-tune to me. However, that was in a small practice room, so I couldn't get any 'feel' for how it might sound in a band room or concert hall. To his credit, the owner of Park Ave. Music said I could come back and try it outdoors (I like outdoor playing). I told him I would take up his offer at another time when I'm more serious, and closer to making a switch (I had to get going at that moment). I know Scott Sutherland really likes his 832.

I may very well revisit the 832. However, with living in senior housing or a smaller place being a likely reality in my future, I'm thinking I should distil everything down to just one tuba. If I go that route, I want to try the new Wessex "Elgar" 3+1 compensating Eb first (19" bell). I've heard back from one person in Berlin who says it's every bit as good as advertised.

Barry