What's your principal instrument and why?

[roughrider]

I started playing the tuba in elementary school. A BBb four valve Yamaha that was so big, I took it back and forth to school on a wagon behind my bicycle. This lasted until my band director found a 3/4 size that I just kept at home and practiced there. Later in high school I purchased the King bass that I have used ever since. Other than a laquer job, it has required very little maintenance on my part. Two years ago I purchased a VMI rotary valve BBb. It and I are getting to know each other finally and the sound is improving. These are the only two instruments I will ever need considering my ambitions do not go beyond a very good amateur band. I enjoy watching the "tuba envy" that goes on as well as the pictures of some of these dream instruments shown on Tubenet.

[jonesbrass]

I voted for F tuba. Right now, my "go to" horn for everything is my Willson 3200S. I can't say enough about how great this horn is for me. Super sound, response, projection. As big as most 4/4 BBbs or CCs and sounds like it when I want it to. I do use the 3050S when the literature really calls for a really broad sound.