TubeNet

Where to start, I've been lurking awhile soaking up all the useful information on here and figured I'd introduce myself and ask a few questions.
I started playing music probably when I was six or seven, Was able to join the band in 5th grade on trumpet and finally by 8th grade saw the error in my ways and switched to tuba and never looked back. Not gonna bore you with the details but life happened and here I am now getting back into it after almost 20 years and I must say I am excited to be playing again.
Not gonna start a debate on which model/Key/valve etc I know its a preference thing and besides there is plenty of reading on here to keep me busy without rehashing. However I wanted to get opinions on my plan and thought process for my needs. Instead of jumping in and going in debt (miraphone 191/1291 or equivalent.) I believe I found a good price on a nice BBb 4valve horn that will allow me to get my feet wet. I plan on doing some community stuff maybe ensemble work as well and generally just enjoy playing and having fun. I would like to pick up a second horn to take with me on the road when I work away from home. My issue is this: why are practice tubas only in F/Eb? A travel/practice tuba would be a great second addition but would I be complicating/confusing myself having that set up? I dont want to go a week at a time without being able to play. Sorry for the long post and I tend to ramble but appreciate all the input and again really glad I found this site.

JJ

Size, pure and simple. 12'9" f tuba is a lot shorter than a 18' BBb. easier to get the bore small, too.

You will have no regrets with Miraphone. The most cosistenly in-tune, and a lot of 186's come up on auction sites and this site. The post about the travel tuba, really explained it concisely. Yes, I think you would be hard pressed to learn F/Eb fingerings, instead (or in addition to) BBb. This comes from experience. I jumped back in to playing after a ten year hiatus. BBb all the way. I'm too old and set in my ways to recommend any other 4 valve. You won't be disappointed with 191/1291, but their bores are very large. Please take that into consideration. I offer my personal congratulations. Post again, soon and let us all know what you landed on.

Jim

186 or 1241, both great tubas that can be found $1000-$1500 range. J.C. Sherman made a 3 valve BBb travel tuba/cimbasso/etc, had it satin silver plated, and was asking $2000 (I think it sold though).

First off- Welcome to TubeNet, but most importantly- welcome back to the tuba.

It is certainly possible to get a more compact BBb- those Miraphones are two good examples. Which BBb are you considering buying now?

Welcome aboard, JJ! I put the tuba down when I got out of the Navy in 1967 and didn't pick one up again until 1998! When I did start playing again, it was on an Eb. I've since switch about 100% to BBb.

In my opinion... do your chops a favor and ditch the idea of an F 'travel tuba'. If you don't want to haul around a large BBb... keep your eyes open for an Old O-099 or it's Reynolds 'sister'. Even with three valves, they are still pretty good tubas and your chops won't have to endure the switch from one key to another.

All great info,
First Jim the miraphone is a long term goal when able, for now I'm easing into it with a St. Pete BBb, for those that suggest a 186 or 1241 in the 1500-2000 range my issue is finding one in decent shape, I understand depending on age condition varies but a lot of them I found were pretty rough. But I'm open to suggestions. And thanks again for the warm welcome.

JJ

Awesome that you are starting up playing again. I have met many people that took some time off and have gotten back into the game. To add the st petes can be great horns for the price point. if you are getting a used horn I recommend having it cleaned and some new bumpers for the rotors if it has not been done recently. A good cleaning can make a used horn feel like new, and also can save some headache in the end.