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I've had and played exclusively on my 621 C for about 5 months now. For what you described, I think it would do just fine. It is a 3/4 horn, but I've used it in a medium-size orchestra, medium-size wind ensemble and a brass quintet with no complaints from my colleagues. I had the very same fears you have that it would be too small, but it surely isn't. It was designed as a quintet horn, but still fits well with a larger ensemble. By no means is it a BAT, and the player should not think of it as one nor play it like one, but it is still a very sweet horn. It also has a low profile and low weight, making it especially easy to carry around.

Whatever way you go, good luck!

Completely self-serving response, but:

I've got a Conn 2J CC for sale, also 4-pistons. It is an older tuba, but larger than the Yamaha, and significantly cheaper.

You can find lots of pros and cons in the archives about the Conn 2J and 3J.

You ought to also check some archive postings on the Cerveny Piggy.

The Conn 2J and 3J are slightly bigger than the YCB621 and probably more versatile (I am not a fan of the YCB). You can often fine the 2J or 3J for very reasonable prices. The Rudy ¾ falls into your parameters also. The Miraphone 186 is slightly bigger than the Conn and would be the most versatile of the bunch and it has the best resale value and demand.

My opinion, the Miraphone 186.

a.) it can be used in small groups with ease
b.) it can be used in bands and orchestras also with ease (it is a nice all purpose tuba)
c.) it is well made
d.) you can sometimes find a nice used 186 at a good price at places like Baltimore Brass, Dillon's, etc...
e.) they come in B flat and CC models

best of luck,
Mark

I agree ... if I had only one tuba for everything I would get a Miraphone 186. Plug in an f tuba mouthpiece .. it sounds like and f ... plug in a cc tuba mouthpiece it sounds like a cc... Very versatile horn. I am in process of getting funds to overhaul an old one for a student of mine ... they are really good for doing everything... another option would be the YFB-822S f tuba. It is an f tuba but can be used in a lot of cases where you would use a CC tuba because it has a huge sound.

I agree with the comments on the Yamaha 621 CC tuba. I had the use of one for a week, and found much to like about that little tuba. BUT. It had one serious disadvantage. My hand position on the valves required me to bend my wrist so much it hurt, and that was a killer fault as far as I was concerned. Others I have talked to didn't like the required hand position, but were willing to tolerate it.

You are going to have to try the horn(s) yourself and form your own opinions.

Cheers,
Allen