TubeNet

Hey guys, I've played tuba for a couple of years now and I'm also majoring in music in college. It's gotten to the point where I really need a horn of my own. I like the Miraphone 1291 but idk if I should get a BBb or a CC. I think just as a starter, my first horn should be a BBb but It's also been highly recommended that I learn to play CC. Any advice for me?

Trolling?

A player at this assumed level wouldn't ask this question.

TubaDude94 wrote:...Any advice for me?

Ask your professor/teacher.

I thought we had all come to the conclusion that "it doesn't matter." Therefore, my advice is as follows:

It doesn't matter.

I'll add an afterthought, though. Why exactly do you "need" a horn of your own? What "point" have you reached that makes it a necessity? I'll wager if you really think about it, you really don't need a horn of your own.

As I recall, Harry Truman had a formula for responding to requests for career advice.
1) Ask "What do YOU WANT to do?"
2) Let them tell you.
3) Say "OK, do that."

If you're just getting into playing more seriously, maybe play some friends' tubas or check around to see if there are any decent places in your region to go to try out some used models. Also, you can check with the University that you are studying at to see if they have an instrument to play. Take your time and drive a few trips if you have to. Just find something that makes a good sound and don't worry too much about key.

Best of luck with your search.

Why can't you be "more serious" on a school instrument?

I still don't get it.

Well, I've always believed there's no such thing as a stupid question- unless you have a question and don't ask.

TubaDude94 wrote:Hey guys, I've played tuba for a couple of years now and I'm also majoring in music in college. It's gotten to the point where I really need a horn of my own.

From your quote, I get that you didn't start playing tuba until rather recently. Can you be more specific about your tuba-related goals, i.e. music education, playing professionally etc? There are almost infinite varieties of tubas out there, and one or another might be just what you're looking for. With that said, many pros do use CC tubas.

I'll second the recommendations that you try some different horns, and also discuss this with your teachers. They know you a lot better than we do

Todd S. Malicoate wrote:Why can't you be "more serious" on a school instrument?

I still don't get it.

I once read the curricula for a euph studio on a US university. I don’t remember whether it was from the 2nd or from the 3rd year that the school required students owning their own instrument. Something like this may be at play for the OP.

With all due respect to TubeNet I think that a school offering any sort of degree involving tuba performance should be able to provide a more specific and adequate advice on tuba acquisition than any online forum will be able to deliver from a not very specific asking.

I pull my kind of jokes here, others find it funny to troll TN into out-season-goose-chasing. I guess the latter situation is a play here.

Klaus

imperialbari wrote:I once read the curricula for a euph studio on a US university. I don’t remember whether it was from the 2nd or from the 3rd year that the school required students owning their own instrument. Something like this may be at play for the OP.

If so, what a ridiculous requirement.

Buy the one you can use well. Do you think anyone in the audience will ever care whether you play BBb or CC? If you can play it well, nobody will ever bother you with this. In the end it will come to the music you make.

bloke wrote:If not a troll, this forum is THE PERFECT PLACE to ask this question, because the posted query will render just about EVERY POSSIBLE ANSWER, and the person seeking advice can pick whichever advice (of all possible answers) they like the best.

Well.....that's the 'good' think about the Internet
Make up you mind first and you can always claim 'some people say'

Get the 1291 CC. It is a very fine tuba, and will do everything you need it to do in college and beyond as an adult. (There are a LOT of tubas that fall in that category, but if you are taken by a certain tuba, it is hard to force yourself to look at something else. I spent 10 years convincing myself I wanted something other than a Miraphone 188, and while I played and owned many fine tubas during those 10 years, I ended up right where I started, with a 188.)

I think it makes a lot of sense to own your own tuba in college, and it sure does make life a lot easier. I can't speak to it being a requirement, but there are certainly other expensive instruments where ownership is expected. Spending $4,000 or $5,000 on a quality used tuba is not out of line IMO. I was a non-music major, and used a school-owned tuba throughout college. Nice for a lot of reasons, but a pain in the butt for a lot of reasons too (different tuba on different years, repairs you'd like to make but can't, graduation means losing access to tuba).

Get the best horn you can find, no matter the key, or the age of the horn.
Make sure you can comfortably hold it, please.
A sponsor of this board has some intriguing deals for sale right now.

It's best not to go to extremes (size, price, bells & whistles) unless you have personally tried that extreme and KNOW that's the horn for you.

That said, the 1291 in either key is an excellent general-purpose instrument.

Some more thoughts, since both are fine horns-
Which can you find cheaper?
Play both. If they are tied in your mind, which is more comfortable (as the ergonomics are slightly different)?
If you go for the 4 valve Bb (the cheapest possible one), are you willing to give up an easy low, low C?


At least they both fit in the same bag.

Insanely funny!





Maybe a little more insane than funny.

B & S is always a good way to go. I currently play on a PT-6 CC Tuba (which is recommended for college) and a JBL Classic B & S F Tuba (it's like cutting hot butter!). You should go up to Custom Music Company in Ferndale, MI to try out their tubas. You won't regret it!

uctuba9013 wrote:B & S is always a good way to go.

I am personallty very fond of BS. Particularly Wade's output. Keep it up Wade.

bloke wrote:If not a troll, this forum is THE PERFECT PLACE to ask this question, because the posted query will render just about EVERY POSSIBLE ANSWER, and the person seeking advice can pick whichever advice (of all possible answers) they like the best.

Ditto to this response. And in the end it is about what you can afford and what sound you want. Key is neglagible in any case as to the fact we all read the same music. Just try some horns and if the shoe fits... WALA.