TubeNet

I'm looking for a BBb tuba that I can use for parades and gigs that have poor access where I have to carry the horn for long distances. I don't want to get my dentless Mirafone 191 dinged up on a jammed parade float. Definitely need something light and smaller (probably 3/4 size) while still having a decent sound. Not looking to spend a lot, the Wessex Travel Tuba caught my eye but that's probably more than I want to spend so I'm probably looking at the used market. Any specific brands/models I should be looking for? Thanks!

A used working-but-beat-up Miraphone 184 would do the job nicely

If you are willing to work with a CC, consider a Cerveny Piggy. Nice and light, great in tight quarters, very affordable, excellent reputation, and they sound wonderful. Many adherents out there. I used one with a saxophone strap for a long time.

A BBb analogue would be something like the Wessex Pocket Kaiser if you can find one used. http://www.wessex-tubas.com/pocket-kaiser/

3/4 Conn - 2J, 5J, 12J, etc

I will add yet another different tuba to the list.

King 1140. Small 3/4 size BBb, very in-tune, plays very easy, and makes a surprisingly big sound for it's size

MartyNeilan wrote:3/4 Conn - 2J, 5J, 12J, etc

+1

The small Conns are some of my all-time favorite horns and can often be found "worn in" very inexpensively.

As always, gotta kick in for an Olds 099. Either 3v or 4v. Both kind of cheap, 3v cheaper. A little larger than a Yamaha 103 but not a lot.

I have both the Yamaha 103 and the Olds 99 (bought that one new in 1977, freight damaged.) I think the 103 has a much better sound for marching band work and it physically handles better. The only drawback is water trapping on humid days, but it is my "go to"tuba for a lot of casual gigs. It can really bark out when needed and the pitch is right on. The O99 is not bad, but it feels stuffy at times.
If I didn't already have one, I would jump on that eBay offering!

toobagrowl wrote:I will add yet another different tuba to the list.

King 1140. Small 3/4 size BBb, very in-tune, plays very easy, and makes a surprisingly big sound for it's size

As it happens, I was just in my local repair shop to get a dent removed from my 186. Talking with the owner, he tells me he just took a trade-in on a Yamaha BBb 201 which they are starting work on for re-sale. He also has 3- 1140's he took on an insurance claim, all of which he will be restoring and selling. If the OP is interested, please PM me and I will put him in touch.
Scottw

What about those little front-action, three-valve King student horns? I've played several Yamaha 103's and really like them, but I've never tried one of those little Kings.

I use a 3/4 Holton (Yamaha) 102 3 valve thats was a school horn that works fine for that.

Tuba Charlie

Tubajug wrote:What about those little front-action, three-valve King student horns? I've played several Yamaha 103's and really like them, but I've never tried one of those little Kings.

King 1135. They are 1140s with a front valveset. I don't see many of them for sale used and mostly see the 1140s. Many of the Chinese 3/4 BBb 3v toploaders seem to be designed/cloned from King 1140s. You might be able to get one of those for a low price. I think the newer sellers of quality checked Chinese horns might sell them.

I had an 1140 King for awhile and it worked fine. I replaced it with a 2340 but the 1140 played fine and, as far as I know, it is still working fine for a middle school band I sold it to.

I played the Dillon/clone 1140 and it was a fun little tuba.

995.00 + shipping/tax

Yes, a front action model would be better.

Update: I ended up getting a Meinl-Weston Model 10 off of Ebay for cheap. Got the horn yesterday and while it's definitely going to need some work (heavy bell damage, new valve felts/springs/lapping(?), water key cork), it sounds and plays really well! Actually surprised how good the intonation is all around and as a bonus all the slides pull! This is a great little horn, there are some on Ebay right now so anyone looking for a small instrument for certain playing situations should check them out!