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I've been curious about this for a while, and Wade's ugly/pretty tuba thread got me thinking about it again.

In your opinion, what is the best looking tuba? I'm talking brand new, don't care about how it plays, just plain old looks. Tubing layout, valve section placement, etc, what looks good to you? Just curious...

If you want to throw in a picture, that would be great too!

I'm personally a fan of the newer/old style King 2341. I still like the detachable bell, but I like the compact-looking layout of the valve tubing, the first valve slide "up" and the third valve tubing "unwrapped," and that they line up well with each other (no tubes are way out to one side or anything).

So, what do you like?

In terms of models, probably the Miraphone 186/188 or Alexander 163. To me, those just scream "TUBA!"

CSO York copies, nuttin' can beat that "unique" 45 degree position.. sexy!
Old RM and Alex's are quite impressive as well (Throw in some raw brass in there and you win).

When I first bought a Neptune I thought it was the most beautiful tuba ever, and still do...

I haven't seen it in person, but the photo is nice, so this is my nominee:

1291's, maybe some big Bb Holtons. Rotary Neptunes are purty. Definitely not any stovepipe rotary horns. Bleh.

Bob Kolada wrote:1291's, maybe some big Bb Holtons. Rotary Neptunes are purty. Definitely not any stovepipe rotary horns. Bleh.

For whatever reason I don't like the odd-looking bend in the 1291's leadpipe....

I like the large 6/4 piston York copies. Along with my Willsons. The top side York and Besson BBb horns are fun to look at and their massive size makes it appealing, but they look uncomfortable when a short armed player is playing one. As for rotary horns the Neptune is sharp and the Willson 6400 RA4 are cool horns to look at.

my opinion:
Alexander 163

However, if it is a tuba it looks good to me.

Mark

I liked the looks of the Kalison DS so much I bought one. (Not the only reason...)

Miraphone 188 CC Anniversary Model

DP wrote:1972 Holton CC, restored & "blueprinted" 2011.
This photo is when the refurb was just completed.
Plays better than it looks.

+1

These big Holtons are what I think of when someone says 'beautiful tuba'.

I saw Chris Olka's Yamayork in person and it is a fine looking horn also.

The gold brass Alex (173 IIRC?) that Dale had for sale a while ago ...

Bill Troiano wrote:Miraphone 188 CC Anniversary Model

Why thank you.

I really like the look of the Miraphone 191. To me, it's the short barrel SAW of tubas.

Tubajug wrote:For whatever reason I don't like the odd-looking bend in the 1291's leadpipe....

You DID say looks..........right? I don't see how something (as small as certain bends in a leadpipe)
could make a tuba look good or bad, if the rest of the horn IS good looking to most people

burningchrome wrote:I really like the look of the Miraphone 191. To me, it's the short barrel SAW of tubas.

Cerveny *93 ... leadpipe and all.

NCSUSousa wrote:I haven't seen it in person, but the photo is nice, so this is my nominee:

I concur.... That tuba is Bloke's, right?

WilliamVance wrote:I concur.... That tuba is Bloke's, right?

Yes. I pulled the image from a post on the sponsor forum that's almost a year old.

TubaMusikMann wrote:

Tubajug wrote:For whatever reason I don't like the odd-looking bend in the 1291's leadpipe....

You DID say looks..........right? I don't see how something (as small as certain bends in a leadpipe)
could make a tuba look good or bad, if the rest of the horn IS good looking to most people

Good thing these are people's opinions! And that's my opinion