I have a new 3/4 BBb tuba that I think is really super. The intonation and tone quality are very impressive. It's lightweight (18 lbs); .709" bore; 15" bell; red brass removable lead pipe and removable valve section; four front-action piston valves; very well-made. The valves and slides are smooth, and the horn comes with a hard case with wheels. The fit and finish of this instrument challenges that of any tubas I have owned previously (Cerveny 601-5MR CC; Meinl Weston 2145 CC and 46 F; Mirfone 186 CC). My new tuba came from Baltimore Brass, free shipping, $2,200. The horn comes with a generic 24AW mouthpiece, but I get better results with a Wick 3L, and even better with a PT-50. With the latter, the horn sounds like a wall of resonant sound. It is not a stretch to say that this is a killer horn and a very nice value for your money. It's the new Pro-model Jupiter 482, a companion to the big Jupiter 582 BBb. True, some of the instruments that have come out of Asia were/are substandard, but Jupiter's high end horns are very worthy of consideration. Try one, you might like it. I'm delighted with mine. Now, if only I can learn those BBb fingerings.
