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I've spent many years with different tuba models. I've had them in all four keys and different sizes. A couple of years ago, I finally found the horn on which I could match the sound in my head: a BBb Kaiser.

Sadly ironically, I found this as I was getting older. I now find the Kaiser really difficult to maneuver due to its size and weight.

Is there anything out there that can at least approximate the Kaiser sound in a smaller, lighter package? Ideally ~20 lbs. or less and 40 inches or less. I like a large bore.

Before you go there, I've tried a Piggy (one that was described as 'one of the good ones') and found it cumbersome and air-hogging. Maybe I need to try another.

Other thoughts?

Thanks!

A Conn 36K fiberglass sousaphone. @18-19 pounds. OK, so it is only three valves. Have at least the upper loop of the first valve slide converted to a moveable slide for tuning to get 1+3 in tune with a pull. The lower slide has been shortened so 1st valve notes are about a one-half inch pull, and you can shove 1st valve on 2nd space C so it is not flat. Decades ago I had the use of a 38K sousaphone. It was the voice of God. The fundamental was so strong I could rattle floor joists at mp dynamic. The privilege tones had all the tone, no grit, and were completely smooth and regular in articulation and intonation across the divide and all the way down to true pedal BBb. I had to sell it for the same reasons stated by the OP: over 35 pounds on the shoulder finally became untenable.

A couple of years ago I was finally able to acquire a "real" (mid-1960's) 36K fiberglass souzy. I had Lee Stofer completely recondition it and remodel it to my specs. It is magnificent. It does the same things the 38K did, albeit one size smaller in tone compared to the 38K. No, you can't cheat physics. But with the same .734 moderately large valve block, it has the familiar articulation and intonation characteristics, so it was easy to acclimate to and control, and be the solid support to the band as required. I tease a retired band director who I went to high school with and was there when I volunteered to play souzy in marching band as a freshman in 1976, that she has heard of concert tubas; I have a concert souzy.

I actually prefer the souzy to my Jupiter JTU1110 tuba, and since most of the concerts my community band play are outdoors, it is perfect. Yes, it took a mouthpiece safari to get a good match, but I am there and I play on.

Good luck!

I really appreciate the outside-the-box thinking, iiipopes!

I hadn't really considered a Sousaphone, and, honestly, I don't think I will. I don't have the room in my house, and it would be just too big of a change for me at this point.

Any other thoughts?

My Cerveny 601 B flat is remarkably light, but I am not sure it's under 20 lbs. The wessex kaiser (4 valve version) was very light too from what I remember and it played well. That one was so light it "felt cheap" but like i said, it played well, so who cares!

Wes Krygsman wrote: ↑Sat May 30, 2026 3:41 pm My Cerveny 601 B flat is remarkably light, but I am not sure it's under 20 lbs.

Thanks, but that's what I own now! It's 25 lbs. and 43" tall. I'm 5' 7" and find it very cumbersome.

I'm starting to eyeball that Lidl Moldau/Cerveny Bohemia. It sounds amazing when played by Daniel Ridder, but then most horns do, and--believe me--I can't play like Daniel. Any mere mortals tried one of those?

Lee Stofer has a bunch of Lidl tubas in stock usually maybe contact him? and Buddy Rogers/Willis Music may as well. Contact Chris Hite for those.

You might try a Miraphone 282. It's a 4 valve Bb . Same bore as a 186. It's their 3/4 version but it's actually more like a 7/8 size and much lighter.

Lee Stofer has a Cerveny 693 right now. The published weight is 22lbs, which is close to what you're looking for. I think I recall him saying he's sold several of the 684 model (published weight 18.2lbs), so you might ask him about those, too.