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Hi, all. My name is Gray Bach. I am in my student teaching semester at Tennessee Tech University. I am currently at White County High School in Sparta, TN for my student teaching placement.
The gentleman who is the director at White County Middle School approached me the other day and said that he was interested in purchasing a 3/4 tuba for his middle school band and wanted to know if I could recommend one. I have really only dealt in professional tubas and am pretty ignorant of what there is as far as 3/4 tubas out there, so I told him I would post on this forum and ask people more knowledgable than I.
He is thinking Yamaha, but says that they might be a tad too expensive for his budget. Other brands he threw out to me were Weril, Jupiter, St. Petersburg, etc.
His question is, what is the 3/4 tuba out there (out of ALL brands) that will give him the best "bang for his buck" considering quality and price?
Thank you in advance for the help,
Gray Bach

Yes, for a middle school, the Jupiter is about the best choice. The Yammy 2 series or 3 series costs twice as much, but is no more durable.

How about the Conn 12 J? A great small-bore insturment for middle schoolers, but with a big bell so the students don't suffer from "big tuba envy". I am not sure what they are selling for these days. Its brother the 5J is available with 4 valves.
http://www.cgconn.com/content/detail.php?item=12J

Weril 680. 4valve BBb, plays great, less filling...

good prices too!

oh, and, hornguys.com has a used Yorkbrunner...maybe that'll interest them??

You definitely want the Weril 680 for middle school kids, so they can learn to use a 4th valve.

Art Hovey wrote:You definitely want the Weril 680 for middle school kids, so they can learn to use a 4th valve.

Which is EXACTLY what I told Brian when he asked me!