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I'm looking for my first CC tuba to use in college. Being a college student really restricts my budget though. Does anyone have some good suggestions on where I could find a quality tuba on a tight budget of $3000. I do realize finding a cheap, quality tuba is a task much easier said than done, but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, everyone!
Tyler

Because I felt like living on the edge! XD
Also, I feel like more people would see the thread here and I might be able to receive more suggestions. Plus I had forgotten about the other post already. Sorry!

I play professionally on a Mack Brass CC tuba. You can certainly make a go of college with one in my opinion. Actually, I did a graduate assistantship at Northwestern U. on a Miraphone CC 4 valve (which cost $3,000.00 circa 1990). I went to Chicago and took a lesson from Rex before I started, he picked up my horn and made it sound like 8 million bucks. That's when I believed Jake's claim of your sound being 15% metal, 85% human.

I also bought a Mack CC and it is a heckuva deal. The seller is a straight shooter, also.

4 valves should be good enough on a CC.

5 just makes SOME things easier; develop your ear!

http://www.baltimorebrass.net" target="_blank

Used tubas, look at the Miraphones.

tylersalyer15 wrote:I'm looking for my first CC tuba to use in college.

I've got to ask:
Why CC? Is someone requiring it?
Why wouldn't a good BBb instrument do the trick?

I would like to own a CC tuba because it's what my instructor recommended. A CC tuba is also more of a standard in the world of tuba. It doesn't HAVE to be a CC, but from what I'm told it's the ideal place to start a career on tuba.

If you want a 4/4, go with the Mack CC. They are in tune and put out a very solid sound that plays FF better than a genuine 'phone. I would suggest silver plate for a touch more resonance.

I think engineering textbooks, a good laptop, and whatever cheap tuba is a better option...


Edit- accounting, whatever,...

Bob Kolada wrote:I think engineering textbooks, a good laptop, and whatever cheap tuba is a better option...

somebody say "engineering"

Only if engineering is for him. I started out as an engineering major, figuring I'll make a good living in it and do music on the side. I realized I had no interest in engineering. I would not do well at it if I put nothing into it. I switched to music and have had no regrets, almost 30 years later.

He has to find his own path and make sure he can earn a living.

tylersalyer15 wrote:I would like to own a CC tuba because it's what my instructor recommended.

This is more than enough reason for me. If you're instructor recommended the switch to CC as you continue to study tuba, then go for it.

If your budget is ~$3k and you have to have it in the next month or two, then stick with a trusted importer of Chinese horns like Mack or Wessex. You might be able to find a good used CC on your local Craigslist in your price range if you don't see one on this board.

I'll also second Bob's recommendation to develop your backup plan.
A business, accounting or economics major sits well if you're not up to engineering. Don't go get an (insert liberal arts type) major with a Music major. That way you'll have a solid back-up major (career path) once you graduate.

If you want a CC, then buy a CC. Frankly, I think BBb is silly, it's like counting starting from -1.

For $3,000, there are not many options, but *sometimes* these tubas will come around from time to time:
* Meinl-Weston 30 or 32
* Cerveny Piggy (or the 186-sized Cerveny, I can't remember the model number)
* Marzan
* Miraphone 186

There are others too, but I can't think of them for now. I have owned 2 tubas mentioned on that list, and paid under $3,000 for each of them. Both were excellent 4-valve instruments.

The best strategy when you have a small budget like $3,000 is to do your research now, and decide what you like (or would accept). Have the money ready to go, and when you see one of these tubas come up for sale in your price range, jump on it. Also, posting here saying what you are looking for is always a good idea. There are lots of instruments for sale that aren't always visible (or posted at all) on the For Sale pages.

Conversely, a $3,000 tuba can actually work to your advantage. There are ALWAYS people looking to buy inexpensive CC tubas, and the non-Chinese tubas hold their value very well (i.e., you will probably be able to sell it for the same amount you paid when you are ready to upgrade). The Chinese tubas might hold their value too, but it's just too early to draw any conclusions. For $3,000, you're not going to get the tuba of your dreams. You will get a good, serviceable instrument that will last you until you can afford the tuba of your dreams. Or maybe you'll get lucky and stick with this one for a very very long time!

KiltieTuba wrote:

NCSUSousa wrote: This is more than enough reason for me. If you're instructor recommended the switch to CC as you continue to study tuba, then go for it.
...

That's an odd statement. What if the instructor doesn't like the brand/model of CC tuba this guys buys?

Besides, inquiring minds want to know, who's your instructor?

That part of his answer is more than enough for me because I also have trusted instructors to determine what equipment is best suited for the work that I would like to do. Keep in mind that I am NOT a professional tuba player, nor do I hold a degree in music.
I simply asked 'Why CC?' and 'Is someone requiring it?'. It seems that the answer to my 2nd question (also based on this answer) is: "The decision is based on a recommendation, not a requirement".

I do not have (or perceive a need for) an instructor, assuming that question was also in reply to my post.

I'm with KiltieTuba on this, there's no reason to rush into a tuba purchase. Try out your schools horns in different ensemble settings and figure out what works for you.
Take your time in choosing a tuba and figure out what's best for you and what you plan to do.

How about this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tuba-Mirafone-T ... 3386446098" target="_blank" target="_blank

http://www.barthsbrassblog.com/" target="_blank

Listen to EVERYONE's advice but try EVERYTHING and make your own decision...

Good luck!

Alex

Grooving for Heaven wrote:viewtopic.php?f=4&t=57596" target="_blank

Ditto, buy this now.

There is a Mack Brass CC tuba at Baltimore Brass (a TubeNet sponsor) for $1,495.00, it comes with a case. This is a good tuba for well under your stated price. I have a friend that plays a Mack Brass CC, it is a very nice tuba (he is a very good player).

Mark