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Not a debate on keys, or favorite brands. But in all my my research why so many choices in say Brand A BBb tuba? I understand size 3/4, 4/4 etc but other than valve/rotor preference if you go and look at the offerings from just one manufacturer why so many variations???

JJ

Because like every mouthpiece, horns can play differently for every player. One model horn might play brighter than the other for some players, one might play out of tune for one player and not for another. There are probably a lot more factors that get weighed against every horn for a player. Some models are intermediate models as opposed to professional models, which will make a large difference in cost. As you've stated, valve type and size are a common distinction between models.

The old hyperbole of "different strokes for different folks" completely and utterly defines why there are so many different models of horns out there. Everyone's playing situation varies as does the intensity of the playing they do. Not everyone's sound concept is the same nor is everyone's key preference it's all player choice. Besides having only one type of tuba would be boring and nobody could ever have horn envy.

the elephant wrote:Hmm, seems we have an awful lot of different cars out there, too. And sweaters. Definitely more styles, patterns and colors than are needed to keep people warm. Far too many to choose from. Someone probably ought to look into that...

Sounds like you've been hanging around Bloke too much!

the elephant wrote:Hmm, seems we have an awful lot of different cars out there, too. And sweaters. Definitely more styles, patterns and colors than are needed to keep people warm. Far too many to choose from. Someone probably ought to look into that...

That's why I get almost all my food and household products from Aldi. It is based on the old East German model, except with much better quality (and extremely low prices.) You want wheat bread. They have wheat bread. Not Arnold, Sarah Lee, Wonder, Nature's Own, Sunbeam, and 5 other choices - they have wheat bread. A can of kernel corn? Sure. No Green Giant, Del Monte, and 4 other brands to worry about. Just canned kernel corn. Makes life much easier for someone like myself who can't make up my mind. Just have to make sure not to grab the canned creamed corn instead - the kids hate that.

tstryk wrote:I hear Nancy Pelosi is going after assault tubas next.

Just the "ugly-looking" ones with plastic handles...

Look at the for sale section.

How many people in this forum have owned more than 3 horns?

Tuba players are obsessed with their equipment. I would assume those who make tubas tend to be tuba players...and are probably obsessed with equipment as well.

Obsession turns into various models. And we buy them. Because we are tuba players. My wife doesn't understand, but she humors me.

USED to be that Chinese all wore "Mao" suits and only made reed flutes. NOW they make a wide range of tubas and wear all kinds of "western" style clothes. Does globalisation = diversification?

MartyNeilan wrote:. . . Just have to make sure not to grab the canned creamed corn instead - the kids hate that.

Oh, no, no, no. You're missing out on a sure fire kid pleaser! The next time you pick up a can of canned cream corn, make this: (super fast, easy, and muy delish. And no, my wife and I don't feed our kids like this regularly - it's an indulgence).

Corn Casserole

1 can or 8 oz whole kernel corn, drained
1 can or 8 oz creamed corn
8 oz Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 cube (4 oz) butter
8 oz sour cream
2 eggs, beaten

Melt butter in 1-1/2 qt casserole dish. Add muffin mix, beaten eggs, corn, sour cream.

Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes or until baked: golden brown and firm on top. If you've played fast and loose with the ingredient measurements, then just toothpick-test it.

Thanks guys for all the responses, I understand variety is the spice of life. However I was just trying to wrap my head around why say miraphone has 18 different BBb models what the difference were to make one decide on say a 191 instead of a 187 etc...Same for MW they have 10 and I'm all for different strokes for different folks but at my level of experience it's choosing between pistons or rotors, 4v or 5 anything beyond that escapes me.

JJ

tstryk wrote:If there was only one make and model we couldn't one-up each other.....and what fun would that be then?

So true lol

JJ

if you are unable to distinguish a 186 from a 184 from a 190 from a 1290...there may be more factors for you consideration other than horn choice.

eupher61 wrote:if you are unable to distinguish a 186 from a 184 from a 190 from a 1290...there may be more factors for you consideration other than horn choice.

Guess ill refrain from asking next time...

JJ