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I'm sure this has been discussed before, but it's always an intereting topic.

Feel free to select a tuba for each key, or you could just pick one tuba!

Oh, and this topic is in no way related to the recent topic "If you had the money - your dream tuba!"

I know, it's no fun to hear someone say this, but the answer is that it depends.

It depends on who's playing it

It depends on what/where/why/how they are playing it

The best tuba for me I believe I own. Others would strongly disagree that is the best tuba though.

A thirty year old 3/4 CC Rudy Meinl I played. I only played it once but it was probably the best tuba I have ever played. It was also worth $10,000 (if only I had 10,000 to give!!!).

The best tuba is in my head.

If I can play up to it's standards, then I'll be the happiest (starving) musician ever.

You'll probably find it after you find the very best car, truck, place to live, and woman.

PT-6

WoodSheddin wrote:PT-6

Piston or rotor? Lacquer or silver? In a gigbag or hardcase? C'mon Sean, quit holding out on us!

One thought is the workmanship of a tuba.

I'm really impressed with the workmanship on my 70s vintage King 2340. It's really built tough. Everything is well braced and well finished. Things that could be flat connectors are nicely curved. No wonder many of them have successfully lasted through school careers. They have strap rings and could be marched if necessary.I also think that they have survived because the bells come off. When carried on school busses, the bell comes off and the body and bell go into cases where they are protected. Other types go naked and show it.

If someone wants a good, basic beginner/intermediate tuba, searching Ebay for a King 2340 is a good idea. I paid under $500 for mine with cases and it is in decent shape. I had the bell 'econo-rolled' by Herr Oberloh and it looks good and still cost under $500. I think the King 2340 is a "best" in it's category of low cost beginner/intermediate horn. For me, getting a different BBb would be a luxury not a need.

Jeff "If you can't get what you want, you can get what you need" Benedict

BriceT wrote:I'm sure this has been discussed before, but it's always an intereting topic.

Feel free to select a tuba for each key, or you could just pick one tuba!

Oh, and this topic is in no way related to the recent topic "If you had the money - your dream tuba!"

I'm going to quote DP: Pfffft!

Rick "who likes what he owns" Denney

Rick Denney wrote: Rick "who likes what he owns" Denney

Marty "who liked what he used to own" Neilan

MartyNeilan wrote:

WoodSheddin wrote:PT-6

Piston or rotor? Lacquer or silver? In a gigbag or hardcase? C'mon Sean, quit holding out on us!

yes

I will admit, the PT-6 is the best instrument I've ever played... there's just something about that horn...

Bob1062 wrote:Now as to whether the "tuba" should be a contrabass,.......

If you ever quit putzing around and actually acquire a contrabass tuba, you will know the answer, my huge friend .

Eric "who thinks Bob playing just about any bass tuba is like me playing a piccolo trumpet, and a waste of resources" L.

Rick Denney wrote:

BriceT wrote:I'm sure this has been discussed before, but it's always an intereting topic.

Feel free to select a tuba for each key, or you could just pick one tuba!

Oh, and this topic is in no way related to the recent topic "If you had the money - your dream tuba!"

I'm going to quote DP: Pfffft!

Rick "who likes what he owns" Denney

I agree.

Ken "who owns what he likes" Sloan

Best tuba I ever heard---- was a beginner horn. Thing was, this guy named Pat Sheridan was connected to it.


Seriously, it is a hunk of metal, you blow rasberries into it. What are you expecting? Nothing works like practice.


Equipment seems like an excuse to waste money, and a bigger excuse to improve your playing---- than "face time". I can fork out 15,000+ for a Baer horn, or I can address the biggest issues. My playing.


Do the valves work? Is the length of the horn conducive to some tuning accuracy? Can you play the repetoire on the horn?If the answer is yes, then screw getting the "best tuba"--- and work on getting the "best player".


Wes "not a cynic, just tired of High School tuba players playing equipment that is worth $10,000+...etc" Pendergrass

Total outlay:

Besson: $411 for purchase and shipping, and @$200 in the last couple of years getting details sorted out. Still considering whether to spend more getting a few more leaks fixed to get it back from merely above average intonation to perfect intonation.

Miraphone: @ $2,200 including purchase, shipping, getting tuning slide lengthened, a sticky valve linkage sorted out, and a couple of other nits. So our community band director, with decades of experience of everything from beginner bands to top college & semi-pro bands can say it is the best tuba he has ever heard. Still contemplating whether to purchase another bell tenon to get the recording bell up and running.

Extra: @$300 for mouthpieces, oils, grease, all the little things so far.

Total outlay over the last three years: @$3,310, or a little bit more, for three great instruments to cover the range of my gigs, all (except for a couple of leaks on the Besson) in great mechanical shape, though somewhat challenged cosmetically.

I think I have the best tubas for the money, new or used, considering a new Cerveny starts at more than what I have in all mine put together.

What sort of air mute best fits the best air tuba?

Greg wrote:

DaTubaKid wrote:What sort of air mute best fits the best air tuba?

I would bet one of the Denis Wick Airluminum mutes.....

Yes, it does have the look of an "airlume" ...

And though I don't know much French, I do know this:
"Vivre la difference!"

ive heard a lot of good things about the baer. i have yet to play one though. has anyone tried it? and what did you think?