In need of tuba selection assistance

[johnsonad]

Thanks Tony, I sent you a PM via Facebook. Thank you Patrase for the recommendation.

[MikeW]

For travel on public transport (especially in Japan) get the smallest tuba available.

A "Tornister" style instrument, based on the back-pack tubas used by the Austro-Hungarian army, may work for you. I think Wessex offers one as "The Mighty Midget" (??)

There was one at Tuba Christmas this year. The owner said it's good for strolling, jazz, and small ensembles generally, but he doesn't use it for bands or orchestras (he has bigger instruments for those jobs - horses for courses).