Well there are many brands/models out there to look at. Several "student models" have become quite popular and are really pretty affordable (as far as tubas go). Two models that come to mind are the Jupiter 482 or 582 and also the King 2341 (newer version). Of course there is also the chance to find one of these or another used with a little wear you can probably save yourself some more money. And the resale value is relatively good on instruments (provided they are in good condition) So worrying about losing al kinds of money on buying a tuba is not really the case if you are smart about it. Best of luck
As a side note.... if the student is serious there really is no substitute for owning his/her own instrument. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes when you can take out a horn that you personally own and play on it.
Good Tubas
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JayW
- 4 valves
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Joe Baker
- 5 valves
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How old is the student? If an adult, what other instrumental experience does he/she have? And what are the goals of the student?
For a non-adult student, or for an adult who doesn't already play a low brass instrument, I'd suggest an inexpensive used instrument in decent condition. Don't worry about whether it has 3 or 4 valves. Find an experienced player to help you pick a decent instrument. The shops that advertise on this page mostly have excellent track records of helping get the right horn in the player's hands. Stay away from the cheap new instruments available on ebay! Look for a Conn, King, Yamaha, Weril, Jupiter, Olds, Bach -- familiar brand names with some history of producing quality instruments.
For younger players, make sure the instrument isn't too large to handle. Specifically, be sure the student can comfortably hold the instrument and place his mouth on the mouthpiece, sitting with good posture and looking straight ahead. Also, be sure the student can reach all the valves comfortably. If the instrument will be taken to school, it should have a HARD CASE -- NOT a gig bag. Instruments in gig bags do not survive in school bandrooms. And, of course, make sure the student can handle the tuba in the case (wheels on the case can be a big help!)
In a year or two, if the student is still playing and progressing, it'll be time to look for a better instrument. Ask back here then, and you'll get plenty of suggestions. Your beginning instrument, if bought used and kept in the same condition, should sell for roughly what you paid for it.
Good luck, and please do tell us more about the student. It may well be that someone here is toying with selling exactly the horn you need!
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Joe Baker, who has been playing for about 35 years, and gets by with a Conn 10J with 3 upright valves and a zillion dents.
For a non-adult student, or for an adult who doesn't already play a low brass instrument, I'd suggest an inexpensive used instrument in decent condition. Don't worry about whether it has 3 or 4 valves. Find an experienced player to help you pick a decent instrument. The shops that advertise on this page mostly have excellent track records of helping get the right horn in the player's hands. Stay away from the cheap new instruments available on ebay! Look for a Conn, King, Yamaha, Weril, Jupiter, Olds, Bach -- familiar brand names with some history of producing quality instruments.
For younger players, make sure the instrument isn't too large to handle. Specifically, be sure the student can comfortably hold the instrument and place his mouth on the mouthpiece, sitting with good posture and looking straight ahead. Also, be sure the student can reach all the valves comfortably. If the instrument will be taken to school, it should have a HARD CASE -- NOT a gig bag. Instruments in gig bags do not survive in school bandrooms. And, of course, make sure the student can handle the tuba in the case (wheels on the case can be a big help!)
In a year or two, if the student is still playing and progressing, it'll be time to look for a better instrument. Ask back here then, and you'll get plenty of suggestions. Your beginning instrument, if bought used and kept in the same condition, should sell for roughly what you paid for it.
Good luck, and please do tell us more about the student. It may well be that someone here is toying with selling exactly the horn you need!
________________________________
Joe Baker, who has been playing for about 35 years, and gets by with a Conn 10J with 3 upright valves and a zillion dents.
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Anterux
- pro musician
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