TubeNet

Im looking into buying a new tuba and need some advice. Im looking for a decent CC tuba, that is nimble, but still has enough power to work well in a large ensemble. Im not looking for anything wicked expensive, simply because I cant afford it at the moment. I would like some tuba model/brand recommendations. Thank so much.

Wiseman 900

My best advise -- stay within your budget, but don't shop by price.

What's the most you can spend? There are some MW-32's on the board right now, as well as a bargain of a B&S/Musica CC tuba. And yes, a Miraphone 186 is plenty of tuba as well.

The Wisemann 900 gets a lot of praise around here, and it's a lot of tuba... but it's also not particularly inexpensive.

bort wrote:My best advise -- stay within your budget, but don't shop by price.

What's the most you can spend? There are some MW-32's on the board right now, as well as a bargain of a B&S/Musica CC tuba. And yes, a Miraphone 186 is plenty of tuba as well.

The Wisemann 900 gets a lot of praise around here, and it's a lot of tuba... but it's also not particularly inexpensive.

The Meinl Weston 30 anything series are some of the best tubas for the money I've ever played period. I've never been a fan of the miraphones but it's hard to argue with the reputation they have, if you can find a good cerveny those can be really nice players as well, but definitely try before you buy on those. Just my 2¢

My budget is somewhere on the 4000-6000 range. Ill most likely be looking for a used tuba.

Why do you need a CC tuba? If you are going to college talk to your future (or present) teacher. If you just want one... With the budget you mentioned you should be able to find a good tuba, check the Baltimore Brass website and other good dealers in used tubas. Go and try tubas, this is important! Without knowing how you play and what you want the tuba for, any other advice is not very useful. I know what I like (and have made a fair amount of money with), but this may be worthless information to you.

best of luck,
Mark

Play the school horn until you can be more specific.unless you have a lot of money

Just a suggestion - Eastman ECB-632 CC at Dillon's.. Matt walters designed it. A number of owners and postings on here.

What is the use of your horn? It makes all the difference in what you should get. If you expect to play it constantly don't get the horn that would be great to play once a week.

I wanted a horn that would work in a 40 piece concert band, my church's 15 piece orchestra, and brass quintet. I bought a used Miraphone 188 three months ago, and I couldn't be more pleased.

The 188 is built like a tank, so I feel confident it isn't going to spontaneously stop working in the middle of a performance. I know lots of people prefer pistons, but rotors seem quicker to me, so the rotors on the 188 make me happy. The 188 is more than big enough for band and agile enough for quintet. I just use different mouthpieces to make the sound brighter in the smaller group and darker in the more orchestral settings.

One thing to keep in mind is that tuba ergonomics matter a lot more than in other instruments, so it's good if you can play a bunch to find out what works with your body.

In your price range you can find a top brand horn in decent shape. Check the used listings at the big dealers, and the sponsors of this forum have listed horns at very competitive prices. You have to be patient, though, buying used.

I really like all of the 1291/191 family- wonderful sound, great low range, good intonation,... That may be on the high side of your price range.

What will this horn be used for?

If you are planning on playing it at school, talk to your tuba teacher.

It would be a good course of action for you to look into a 6/4 Yamayork instrument. It's what's winning jobs.