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$10,000 is a lot of money, even for a professional instrument. Don't buy something just because it's expensive. If you can, try to play the instrument before you buy it. And usually, there is no reason to pay retail price for a tuba. I won't tell you all the ins and outs of tuba buying, because I have only bought used instruments. It sounds like you want something brand new.

I'd recommend trying a Miraphone 1291 CC. Four lightning fast pistons, one rotor. Big 4/4, may even be 5/4. I bought mine and a Reunion Blues bag, all for around $6,600. IMHO, this is a very good tuba.

The shops under Shops at the top of the page are a good place to start, new OR used...

Patrick Bigsby seems pretty desparate. Offer him $50 for his. Not like he's using it.

The most common CC tubas I seem to hear the most about (and like the best) would be the Meinl Weston 2145, the Perantucci 20P, the Miraphone 1291-5VC, and the Yamaha YCB822.

Personally I play on the MW 2145 and love it. Deep, dark, rich tone. Valves could be a litter better than I'd hope for, but definately manageable.

Check out Baltimore Brass Company. Dave Fedderly is a great guy!

Second the 2145, and I would also recommend trying out a MW 32. I loved it the one time I tried it, nice smooth and rich tone anda nice horn for orchestras and solos.

joshstanman wrote:I tried the 2145, and didn't like it very much at all. The pistons on this horn killed me. They were around 2 years old and sounded like you were dropping a slide every time you pushed one.

The horn just needed new felts/corks on the pistons, these things wear out on any horn. Just like the bumpers on rotors. Synthetic ones will last longer, you used to be able to get Besson ones that would work on these horns.

The very first horn I bought was the culmination of a tour-de-force of tuba testing. I drove to three or four of the "big" dealers after having an idea what they had in stock.

Look into doing a "horn" tour. It would cost a bit in gas, but you my find a gem you wouldn't even see having them sent to you. Mine started at Midwest in Chicago and ended in South Bend, at Brasswind where I found a B-stock MW2165. (I'm ashamed to admit there was no website then)

Best of luck...this is an exciting rite of passage for a tubist!


Dale Bloodworth

Band Director, Tubist, Low Brass Nut
Alexander City, AL

Conn 56J
Besson 700 Series Euph
Bach 50B03L[/code]

joshstanman wrote: Bottom line: whatever works for you. All of the previously mentioned horns would be an excellent place to start, however a PT-6p just won the Philly audition. Check that out.

I thought that one Carol girl won the philly audition.

It sounds like we are getting back to the (now locked) thread about a tuba capable of winning auditions!

In my case I just made sure I took the time and didn´t rush myself.
Apparently you still have access to school horns. It sure is a great idea to pass those on to freshmen in need as you advance, and to have a horn you´ll have grown attached to by the time you do your final recital and first auditions.

I´d recommend taking your time, looking into GREAT used horns, and jump at the one that chooses you.
That approach worked well for me, although it took me two years to do it.
I had the advantage, of course, that I´m an amateur, so when I learned that a pro was parting with a horn he´d been using for years, I figured if it was good for him, it´ll be GREAT for me.