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Got a yamaha bb flat neo in january.This is a great tuba. Pitch is spot on and a real easy tuba to play in all registers. The high register just sings and is a dream to play. The low and pedal registers have a big fat and in tune sound. While the 3+ 1 compensating valve set up is not everybodys cup of tea, it sure works for me.I am currently using aPT 48+ but i would like to try something else. Any ideas? Living in the middle of western canada really limits the places i can go to try different mouthpieces.

What's your concern with the PT48? Too big? Want a different style cup?

I use a PT48 in my Dillon DBB641 (Yamaha YBB641 clone). I like how it really opens up the horn, particularly the low end. Great for concert band. Sometimes it's just too big a sound, so I've also tried a PT44 (little bit shallower cup, little bit smaller rim, little bit narrower throat). It gives a bit quicker response and throttles down the power a little. I also like the Miraphone Rose Orch (aka TU25 or C9). A very different cup from the PT's, but mellows out the horn and gives a great response in all ranges. From the photos I've seen of the Neo, I'd say it's a very different tuba than mine, and I don't know if the bore is similar (mine is .812in), but as another PT48 user, I just thought I'd throw in some observations.

PS: anybody got a Rose Orch in decent shape they want to sell. Mine's a bit ragged.

Try a Mike Finn 3. They seem to work really well with 3+1 comps, and a MF4 does on an EEb. Just done a Brighouse concert on my Neo BBb, with the other guy using one too. Excellent together at the bottom of a band.

AndyCat wrote:Try a Mike Finn 3. They seem to work really well with 3+1 comps, and a MF4 does on an EEb. Just done a Brighouse concert on my Neo BBb, with the other guy using one too. Excellent together at the bottom of a band.

Thanks Andy. As this tuba will be primarily used in a brass band i will get my local music store to order one

I've also got a BBb Neo which I think is absolutely fantastic. Brass bands all the way

I use a PT-50L and it works really well for me. My first teacher started me on a PT-50 though, so I've always felt at home with the size.

I also have a PT-44 in the case which I use/think about using for more focussed sound and easier articulation.

I've never tried a PT-48 or any of the Mike Finns.... Keep us posted with what you get and how it works for you.