Questions regarding first tuba purchase!

[MattG1981]

Hello. I'm new here and am pretty excited to be involved on these boards. I'm 33 years old and haven't played tuba since High School but was quite good when there having made All-State numerous times. After being injured on duty as a police officer and unable to continue in that field I'm starting college as a vocal major in August and through talks with the school it came out that I play tuba as well. I was asked if I would be willing to audition to play tuba within' their wind ensemble and orchestra in exchange for more scholarship money. Well, after auditioning I've been asked to play with them and have begun practicing with their school instrument a Yamaha YBB-321. I had forgotten how much I LOVE this instrument, not the Yamaha but the Tuba in general. It's amazing how much retention I've had and how easy it was to pick it back up and start playing again. I'll be earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in music and have decided to pursue full time music ministry. However, I've decided that I never want to stop playing the tuba again. I'd like to own my own instrument and I'd like it to be of a professional quality. If possible I would like to either perform in a band/orchestra on the side or even keep things open to the possibility of playing the tuba full-time to have options available. What would be your suggestions for a quality instrument that isn't going to cost me $20,000. As a matter of fact I would prefer that the budget be under $10,000 but may go a little over for the RIGHT instrument. Is it better to invest in a B flat or a C Tuba and why? I'm a huge fan of Meinl Weston instruments as well as Miraphone tubas but having been out for so long am not as familiar with the model numbers as I once was. I'm also open to other suggestions besides these two makes. I'm just really looking for some guidance in a big investment.

Thanks,
Matthew Gregory

[Mark]

Consider the Miraphone 191 or 1291 BBb tubas.