HELP!!! Buying F Tuba

[Sparkergolf]

Ok, so I am about ready to pull the trigger on purchasing a large F Tuba. And I have narrowed it down to some fantastic options that I have available to me. My problem is because of my work schedule and my location it is practically impossible for me to play test them. I am looking for opinions and comparisons. Trust me, I know I am opening up Pandora's box, but it is all subjective.

Here are the criteria. I am interested in purchasing the horn that will be the most reliable mechanically, most consistently in tune, and the most consistent throughout the range of the horn as far as tone color (would prefer a darker more mellow sound). Has to be just as comfortable at the back of a large orchestra as with a brass quintet. In short, the perfect tuba for someone who can only afford to keep one.

The contestants are:
Yamaha 822 silver
Willson 3200 silver
Willson 3200 lacquer
Gemeinhardt/Big Mouth Brass 445

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks ahead of time,

Scott Parker

[MackBrass]

I have played all the horns you have listed and for a one single horn then the Yamaha is the way to go for what you looking for. I would be careful and take your time with these as some are great and some are not so great. The do have a CC tuba sound but intonation on some needs more attention on a few notes I would rather not have to worry about. After taking off from playing for many years this was the model I considered.

one horn I would add to your list is the petruscka (a little help on spelling needed)? I think these have more of a great f tuba sound and play so well in tune. The only thing i would do is make the bell out of gold brass to warm it up a bit. The most amazing thing I like about this horn are the valves, they are a short throw and respond great. Also the low register is fantastic.

Keep us posted

Tom

[TubaZac2012]

I agree with everything he said, but keep the PT-18P/MRPF in mind, as well. I've used mine in a 100 piece orchestra, brass quintet, tuba euph quartet, and community band and have had race results. You might have to buy new, unless Chris Combest still has his for sale.

Just another horn to think about.

Best,
Zac

[hbcrandy]

I second the Yamaha. I briefly owned the 866 model. It was really nice.

[jonesbrass]

FWIW, the Willson 3200 is a fantastic all-around tuba. Mechanically impeccable, solidly constructed. Plays very well and projects like nobody's business.

[elihellsten]

Get an E flat tuba.

[hbcrandy]

Get an E flat tuba.

I play Eb tuba as my basstuba. That is what Paul Krzywicki was playing back in the late 1970's when it was time for me to learn a smaller tuba. He, then recommended the Eb. However, in this country, the F tuba is a bit more mainstream. It is interesting to me that the F tuba that I recommended as well as the others that have been mentioned have, to my ear, the characteristically "large" sound of the Eb tuba.

[smitwill1]

To the OP: one horn to do it all is an improbably tall order. Your question was initially: "which of these larger F tubas should I buy?" Towards the end of your post it seems like you're asking "which of these F tubas is a one-size-fits-all solution?" I've been there, too. Really, the answer is: one-size-doesn't-fit-all. As it is, I own two OSFA tubas and yet they both offer solutions to different technical/tembre-related problems. While the YFB-822 is great in orchestra for Lohengrin (prelude to act III) there's no way on earth I'd use it for "The Ride". And, my PT-4P is exactly what I want when the quintet programs Jack Gale's arrangement of West Side Story Suite, but the group says that when I use it for Earl of Oxford's March the middle third of the piece sounds like a tuba solo with quartet accompaniment. I'm sure that a lot of that is just the player (my bad...), but I'm confident that much of it is related to the equipment. Every compromise is...well,...a compromise. You're trading the probability of a couple of "near perfect fit" horns for the possibility of one "does everything OK" horn. Since I'm not making a living with my horns, I have kept the two (intended) OSFA horns and maybe (someday...) I'll replace the 822 with something like a 621 or trade the PT-4 up to a PT-6 (or similarly large contra). Until then, there's enough difference in tembre between these two horns that I can't imagine parting with either.

[k001k47]

. Has to be just as comfortable at the back of a large orchestra as with a brass quintet. In short, the perfect tuba for someone who can only afford to keep one.

Sorry if I'm being ignorant, but do you mean only one F tuba, or just one 'do it all' tuba?
If the latter, I'd get a186!

[Sparkergolf]

. Has to be just as comfortable at the back of a large orchestra as with a brass quintet. In short, the perfect tuba for someone who can only afford to keep one.

Sorry if I'm being ignorant, but do you mean only one F tuba, or just one 'do it all' tuba?
If the latter, I'd get a186!

Well you bring up a good point. I really enjoy the F tuba feel and sound in the upper register. I guess playing euphonium all those years effected my sound concept more than I realize. I just don't want to have to work any harder to sing up there. I am not opposed to a CC. As I have stated, I have been out of the tuba loop for many years and it is more than possible that I don't really know what I want.

I'm looking for something that, as bad as it sounds, can do everything pretty well. I'm a flexible enough player that I can adapt my sound to fit the ensemble as long as the horn doesn't prohibit me from doing so. I used to own a 187 BBb, but have never played a 186, or any CC tuba for that matter. Maybe you are on to something.

Anybody else with any suggestions for something I should be considering outside of the short list I put together?

Thanks,

Scott

[Sparkergolf]

Point well taken. Somebody on here the other day said we are just a bunch of morons and why ask others what horn I should play. I get the same thing in the golf business. "You should play what I play, because it's the best." And while those types of answers are about as helpful as a cupful of gasoline in a burning house, I am not looking for that sort of response.

I came here to seek advice from tuba players that have much more experience than myself, and could possibly be unbiased in comparing different instruments based on their own experiences.

Obviously I don't want a BAT and I don't want a tiny tuba. I think I have decided against Eb because it would screw with my head too much. So basically a large F or smallish CC piston. I prefer front action pistons and silver plate. My price range is $7,000 and below.

Thanks again,

Scott

[smitwill1]

Ok, so my previous post probably precipitated the "Jane, you ignorant slut..." response, but here goes...again.
Any horn is a compromise. If you can only have one, choose one that gives you the confidence to play in the manner you want to play. If you're comfortable using the 5th valve for the low range, a large F like the 822 is a reasonable OSFA horn. You've obviously done some homework on this before you asked--you've selected several very fine instruments. My advice: don't write off a mid-sized CC. Most community band/orchestra/quintet lit lies well on a CC, as I'm sure you know. Many good alternatives exist that others have mentioned...find a well-treated used tuba and spend some time getting used to it.

[eupher61]

I'm surprised you aren't considering any of the B&S tubas. My PT-10 was my do-it-all for a number of years, aside from a souzie. I played community orchestras, bands as the only tuba, quintet, polka, dixie, pit, literally everything on it. Probably some things I shouldn't have, but when there are no complaints, why not?

I do have The Ride worked up on F, and it's painful. Literally, after 5 minutes of working on it my right hand begins to ache a bit. Lots of abnormal patterns in that thing. It's no longer my only concert horn, but I still feel more comfortable playing it than any of my other tubas, in any situation.

The PT tubas have that ability to sound big or small, depending on player's approach and mouthpiece. The Yamaha, in my not-so-vast experience with it, doesn't have the color to carry an orchestra. The Willsons, on the other hand...yes. Amazing machines. Workmanship on every one I've played has been stellar, and pitch is usually very solid. It is a heavy instrument, physically. But it's worth it.

The BMB has gotten great reviews, and it may be a way for you to get back to it without a huge investment. If you get into an orchestra situation and it's nowhere near doing the job, you know you need a bigger horn.

Don't completely write of the Eb idea, though. Seriously. I'm much more F oriented, but with the right Eb you just might be better suited to do it all with one tuba.

[bort]

Two tubas to try -- a Miraphone Petrushka and a Willson (I forget the model number). Both are large F tubas, extremely easy to play in all registers, and still sound like an F tuba (unlike the Yamahas, IMO).

I miss playing F tuba, and for a while considered having ONLY an F tuba.

[Sparkergolf]

I definitely haven't written off the B&S Tubas. But I also have never played any of them and haven't seen them coming up for sale. If anybody is in or around SC that owns one I would be excited to try one.

Scott

[RyanSchultz]

Two tubas to try -- a Miraphone Petrushka and a Willson (I forget the model number). Both are large F tubas, extremely easy to play in all registers, and still sound like an F tuba (unlike the Yamahas, IMO).

I miss playing F tuba, and for a while considered having ONLY an F tuba.

I'm with bort! The Mirafones are great!

[jeopardymaster]

I think I have decided against Eb because it would screw with my head too much.

Oy. That's exactly why I went with the Eb instead of the F. What do you think - Phillips or slotted?

[Sparkergolf]

I think I have decided against Eb because it would screw with my head too much.

Oy. That's exactly why I went with the Eb instead of the F. What do you think - Phillips or slotted?

It could be one of those fancy star shaped thingies... you never have the right size either...

I am considering Eb more and more. I really do like the WIllson 3200 F and I think it has the sound that will work in MOST situations. I am trying to find someone semi locally that has a Willson 3400 on hand for me to test out. Anybody have one I can try? I am in Columbia SC.

Scott