Geneva has been making a big impact in the competitive brass band instrument marketplace for some time now, having already developed a fine reputation for its cornets and euphoniums.

So, we asked Joseph Cook (above) to tell 4BR why he believes the Geneva Symphony Eb tuba is so good....

Geneva Symphony EE flat Tuba

“I first tried the Geneva EEb tuba during its development process and was suitably impressed even at that early stage. 

A year later I've had to chance to use the instrument on a more regular basis with all aspects of my freelance work - from brass band, orchestra and 10 piece to quintets and solo engagements, knowing that it had to be versatile enough to meet the very particular demands of each genre.

Quality

Quality matters, and before blowing the superb finish on the instrument is evident - with impeccable blemish free silver, gold valve tops and water keys. It feels well made and very solid. 

The leadpipe position is quite low (although not as low as the John Fletcher style leadpipe) but feels comfortable to play when seated, allowing you to hold the instrument close whilst maintaining good posture. It is also well balanced, so it doesn’t feel like a ‘dead weight’ when standing or marching (it also comes with marching rings and lyre). 

The floating leadpipe helps with the free blowing characteristics, (which I must say I also enjoyed on the now discontinued York Preference Tuba) and is well secured so the valve block is unaffected. 

Looks are secondary to sound though.

I instantly enjoyed the free blowing characteristics the instrument offered; something which you appreciate more and more as you get used to over the weeks: It has natural dark, mellow warmth of tone at both ends of the dynamic spectrum.

Into its own

The Geneva certainly comes into its own in the brass band environment. 

It is a perfect tool as a section instrument - flexible enough to manage the pyrotechnics, sturdy enough to handle the foundation block volume of the big test pieces, and with the added ability to blend with others in the bass end without losing its individual identity.

It is a real star as a solo vehicle though - with a timbre as bright and agile as a euphonium in the fastest of filigree work. It also retains its tonal quality without strain - maintaining its warmth and centred sound throughout the range. 

For the technically curious (and most tuba players are), the valves fit snugly in the valve block and are smooth, quick and quiet. They do have a little bit more travel on them than some other instruments I've played, but it's not a problem. 

Thought and practice

Meanwhile, the tuning slides are in the usual place and fit well, with a few extras tucked away amongst the compensating system (although I've never really collected water there before!)

Common tuning problems associated with the tuba (sharp in the low register, flat in the top register, middle A very sharp, top E in the stave flat, etc) haven't totally disappeared, but with thought and practice (it is strange how much better in tune you are as a player when your lip is in decent shape) it is very consistent throughout the range. 

The 4th valve low D was a little stuffy for the first few weeks, but opened up well, so using the 4th valve for bottom G and lower is great.

Everything you want

Overall, the Geneva Symphony Eb Tuba offers everything you would want of a traditional brass band upright piston valve tuba in terms of sound and versatility, with the added bonus of being excellently put together. It is in my opinion, a very strong contender to be considered by players looking for a ‘pro’ level instrument to perform on.

It is definitely a high class instrument which is pitched at a very competitive price. It also comes with great service and an excellent comprehensive warranty, so I would definitely recommend you check it out for all your tuba playing requirements.”

Joseph Cook

Technical Specs:

Geneva Symphony E flat Tuba

Four Valve Compensating System
Bore Size: 681” (17.30mm)
Bell Size: 19” (483mm)
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Inner Slide Material: Nickel
Outer Slide Material: Nickel
Leadpipe Material: Yellow Brass
Leadpipe Configaration: Comfort
Valve Material: Stainless Steel

For more information go to: http://www.genevainstruments.com/index.html

If you want to write a review on an instrument that you think deserves a recommendation then why not send one (make it around 500 words) to us at: news@4barsrest.com