We've just kicked off the Regional qualifying season here in the UK.

My band, Foden's, won their 10th Area qualifier in a row with this performance of Martin Ellerby's 'Elgar Variations'.

Link here if anyone wants a listen (only recorded from the audience).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9 ...

Besson, Besson, Besson! Actually, at least in the UK, and at least until recently, you would not be allowed to compete if you played anything other than a Besson. Add to that the Wick 1 is the default mouthpiece to give the deep, broad, organ-like tone that is the standard of modern brass band ...

[
We currently have 2 BBb and 1 EEb Neo, the other is a Sovereign, but we'd like another Neo.
Used to be everyone on Besson/Boosey, but now there's a mix and match. A lot more Yamaha than there ever was, bass wise. The BBb especially is a step up, both ergonomically and in tuning.


What's ...

Personally, we find the Yamaha Neo best of the currently made, for both EEb and BBb. Certainly the most consistent and well made.


Thanks, when you say we do you mean that your whole section is outfitted with matching Yamahas? Is it standard for high level competition bands in the UK to match ...

Personally, we find the Yamaha Neo best of the currently made, for both EEb and BBb. Certainly the most consistent and well made.

Firstly, sorry you're in this situation.

Secondly, appreciating all your stipulations, I'd still say give a vintage 3+1 a shot. Cheapest bang for buck, excellent tuning and longevity, with a versatile use for most things. Imperial/New standard/Besson 992 are relatively excellent value.

I know you ...

Yes, there are a few around over here. Played a couple of them (one is on the Isle of Man where I visit teaching).

They're ok for a more compact model, but not quite got the breadth of sound of the Besson/Yamaha Neo etc.

Mary Ann wrote: Tue Sep 09, 2025 8:22 am wobplay has a paywall.

Yes, it's a commercial service. You can subscribe for just one month though and watch/listen to their entire catalogue of Live contests, CD's and older releases too.

Yes, these are the ones.

I still think it's goofy that - because of what John Fletcher did to his E flat (that he mostly did not use in brass bands), the most common bell size these days for the top action compensating B-flat and E flat tubas is 19 inches. I tend to wonder if they increased the B-flat bell size to 19 ...

Imperial/New Standard - Before 1980 ish

992 - first "Sovereign", based on Imperial but with flat/level leadpipe and input from John Fletcher. 1980-89ish.

994 - 1989 ish onwards - some great, built in Edgware, London, but then a charity scheme (National Lottery) meant a lot of bands got grants and ...

Five Lakes Silver band have a full set of Mouthpieces for demos, worth contacting them to see if you can fix up trials.

Hi, yes, M+B are 2 friends of mine, both tuba players (an EEb and a BBb player) who live pretty local to me.

I helped develop the initial tuba range, plus my own model, the MB5 Cattanach (which is surprisingly popular!). Other players have models or input, Les Neish did one, James Gourlay uses a ...

On a Yamaha BBb Neo - Mercer and Barker Cattanach (MB5) strangely enough.

Low parts in Brass Band, but also in 10 piece/orchestra etc. Good all rounder for BBb.

Done, monthly member.

14" TCL Nxtpaper android tablet. Cheaper than an ipad, and the paper feature (like a kindle) means music looks better than n an ipad, and there's no glare.

Main band (Foden's) is still all paper though.....

Lovely bloke, good player, very knowledgeable and great to spend time with. Very sad. RIP Mr Tuba.

"A rare opportunity to own one of the tubas that changed British history!
The Fletcher family have decided to sell this wonderful instrument following the death of John’s widow, Margaret Cable.
The proceeds of the sale are to be entirely donated to the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
The ...

Just to let you now, Carl Mercer from Mercer and Barker mouthpieces will be at NABBA on the Wessex stand, with the full range of M+B mouthpieces available, including my model (MB5 Cattanach) and the new Lake Monster in collaboration with the Five Lakes Band.

Go and say hi, mention my name and have ...

MiBrassFS wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 11:23 am Thanks for that @andycat. Great chart. I missed that.

Those Neo pieces seem to be a mystery!

I've been with Yamaha recently, band are getting 2 Neo EEb's, and neither rep has even mentioned the mouthpieces!