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I am a college student in Billings, MT and I am looking to purchase my own tuba. I currently play a Miraphone 186 BBb made in the 1960s which is owned by the school. I am reluctant to get into CC because I don't know how well I could make the switch. I like the Miraphone 1291 5 valve. I played on at the local high school, but not long enough to get a good feel for it. I am hoping to get some advice and/or recommendations on purchasing a tuba. I would prefer piston valves over rotors. Please keep in mind that I am in college so funds may be low and that I am also in Montana and I am not a short trip from a music store that carries multiple professional tubas. Thank you.

I'm not affiliated with Wessex Tubas but I think that you might want to try one of these: http://www.wessex-tubas.com/bbb-54-piston-tuba/" target="_blank

I've not played one so I can't say how it sounds but I like the Miraphones that I have tested of the 129x series.

Ask your tuba teacher.

Yes, that might be a good idea. It's really hard to pick out any specific tubas that might suit you, without knowing more about you and and what you're planning to do with the tuba. I mean, it would be hard anyway, but at this point it's just silly. The particular model you mention, a lot of people like it ... and the same with other models. Some people find they need to play CC, others don't, some find it hard to switch, others don't. On the bright side, if you make a fairly safe choice like that, the tuba is probably going to turn out fine -- the least of your problems!

Might be good to figure out why you are playing tuba in college. Are you planning on being a serious tubist and are pointing at some sort of orchestra or small group? Since you don't own any instrument, after talking to whomever might be your tuba teacher, a CC might be good. The school might have a CC you can use. If you are going into music education, BBb or CC might not make much of a difference. If you are planning on playing tuba in college because you just like to play the tuba and are planning on playing in the marching band/pep band, a BBb probably would be the best choice because there are about a million of them in all types and styles both new and used. You will have to play the sousaphone in marching band and that is in BBb. Could you know both CC and BBb? Yes but you might be able to get a really nice BBb tuba (Mira 186, King 2341, etc) used for less money than a CC of any type or brand. There are so many of them around.