TubeNet

In everyone's opinion, what is the best CC tuba, piston or rotary valve. something that is large enough to handle a small orchestra, but small enough to not over power a brass quintet. Also factor in affordability, i know that Getzen's G50 and miraphone's 188 are going to be mentioned, but i wanna see what others say.

.

The best tuba is the one you don't have yet. There's always something better.

If you have the cash to spend, the Meinl Weston 2000 is the best OVERALL CC tuba you could buy. It's a handmade large 4/4 horn that has 4 pistons and 1 rotor. I love the sound. It's a great horn that can do anything reasonably well. Like others have said, though, there are tubas that are great at other things. The MW handmade Baer model and the Yorkbrunner are both better than the 2000 for large orchestral gigs. I'd say the Getzen CB-50 (G50) is a better quintet horn than the 2000. In my opinion, the 2000 is the best all around good tuba to have.

My budget isn't set yet, more of less just looking around right now. I won't be able to afford a new horn until i can sell my G50, and i won't sell it until i am sure i can get a horn quickly after i sell.

The Getzen is a great overall horn. What about it are you not liking? What mouthpiece are you using with it?

Its a great horn, its just small, and sometimes extrememly uncomfortable to hold. i am using a PT88 on it.

Try a PT-50.
Try a Tuba Stand.

In fact. Tuba stand.

EDIT- Many professionals use a tuba stand for the fact that it keeps the instrument in place and you can maneuver the tuba more to your ergonomic liking. Personally it relieves a lot of tension when I hold my instrument.

I had the opportunity to play a Getzen G-50 and a York cut CC at the last Capital conference and I couldn't tell the two apart. I LOVE the sound of these instruments and in he right hands they can project VERY well.

I have an HB2 that I've used in both settings with great results. It's my favorite tuba that I've owned so far and I don't plan on getting rid of it. That gets my vote.

Curmudgeon nailed it and did not sound curmudgeonly to me at all, just reasonable. One popular tuba that was mentioned I do not like is the Thor, however other people play them and sound great. Is that a good tuba for me, no. Is that a good tuba for some people, yes. I made a fair amount on my Alexander 163 when I was younger and for me the Alexander is the best, for others is is not.

Mark