Sousaphone purchase recommendation?

[Kayla]

Seems like the overall consensus is the 20k. I haven't personally played this sousaphone but I've been in the presence of them being played and they do sound pretty nice for sousaphones.

What I can help you with is reinforcing the previous comments on the Jupiter 4 valve sousaphone. The high school I went to bought four of these right when they came out, which was my freshman year. So, not only we were fighting the tendencies of the horns in general, there were still kinks to be worked out. The metal is pretty easy to dent, crease (through accidental means), and the valves were mediocre. Too many times my horn had to be sent in for valve work. They were also horrible to tune, always sharp.

So basically it was not worth the extra valve on a sousaphone. Really there's not a overwhelming need for it on the marching field IMO, as you can pull slides and such to get the 3 valve sousa in tune. In my area many times, people start playing tuba on the sousaphone in marching band, and the fourth valve just becomes a nuisance (for that time of learning).

Sorry for the rambling, my distaste for the Jupiter sousaphones kept coming through. Definitely go for the 20k.

[Rick Denney]

The 20K is a 6/4 sousaphone, similar in profile to a Conn 20J tuba. Expect to play the third-partial F 1-3, because it will be flat played open. As with all big tubas, it takes good steering to keep its behavior under control.

The 14K is a 4/4 sousaphone, with better intonation, lighter weight, and a more focused sound. It's a little easier to play.

The King (and what is now the Conn 36K) is also a 4/4 sousaphone, but with an extra-wide bell and a medium bore. It's even easier to play, but the design is aimed at being loud more than pretty. It is more susceptible to being overblown by those who can't control their hormones or who don't have the chops to keep up with their eagerness.

Of these, the 14K is the sousaphone of choice for mortal players, though the 20K might be preferred for strong players.

Taylor Music (http://www.1800usaband.com/htmls/catvie ... egoryID=40) lists all of the above. An econo-overhauled 14K is under three grand, cheaper than a new Jupiter and MUCH cheaper than a new 20K. It's little heavier than many fiberglass sousaphones.

Rick "preferring the 14K to all others any day" Denney

[Tubaing]

My school had three 4 valve Jupiters. I suggest you stay away from those because at first we thought it was cool to have a 4th valve but they weigh SOO MUCH MORE than the 3 valve instruments and soon, everyone was trying to trade for the 3 valves, or using the ugliest 3 valvers in storage instead just because of the weight savings.

The 4 valve Jupiters still only outweigh my 3 valve Conn 26K Eb Sousa by about 4 pounds.