What's like a...

[Bob Kolada]

Probably around 3000 tops tops (-2000 strongly preferred! anymore than the first figure I'd be looking at nice bass tubas), depending on if I can finally land an ADOS/mob or get a real job (somewhat likely on either front). And if I can keep my mitts off another contrabone. I had more in the tuba fund but then I found out one of my younger brothers was still in college.

Basically, something small, easy playing, with pistons, an easy low range, and good intonation. This would primarily be a low quintet horn. I might get behind small C's over small Bb's in theory but I want a Bb.

[pgym]

Preference is for a piston 3/4 horn.

These are pretty good, esp. for the money.

[tbn.al]

Sounds like you want my Olds, but it's not for sale. Buy one cheap on eBay, send it to Joe and you will have a nice quintet BBb for less than 2 grand.

[Liberty Mo]

What about a Conn 5J or Olds 99?

[iiipopes]

I'm with bloke: 186. Here's the deal: it is the workhorse. Versatile. Plentiful. A few variations over the years so you can get your choice: large/narrow leadpipe; 16 1/2 or 17 3/4 or recording bell; slightly different proportions as to the larger branches and bows. I actually was looking for anything but a 186 when looking for a tuba, but guess what I ended up with (see my signature)!

It is what it is. If you want something slightly larger, the 187. But the 187 is more like the 1291.

Last thought: consider changing out the leadpipe for the smaller 1292 or 1293 leadpipe. I think if you search the threads, this does what you want to make the horn feel a little smaller, with better intonation.