Suggestions for 3/4 BBb tuba

[Davidus1]

Yes it was. It's coming from overseas, but Jonathan said I might have it a week after I order it.

Was it the Prague? They look like neat instruments. Curious how they play. I bet they are a nice horn.

[PaulMaybery]

Back in the 60's I had the honor and pleasure of playing with the "worlds worst banjo band" Your Father's Mustache. (Banjo, Trombone, Tuba and Washboard.) We were busy with usually 2 gigs a day sometimes 3. At the club at night we played a 5 hour show, and usually that was 7 nights a week. During the summer months we played at the beer garden at the Atlantic City Race Track, and often in parades around the Jersey Shore, perched on the rear of an antique firetruck or a myriad of promotional events. Just about all of the tuba players in our little syndicate used tubas with a simple strap. I used the shoulder strap from my tuba case. Having a strap over the should and across the back was way more comfortable than a Sousaphone, besides the tuba seemed to be a much more efficient sounding horn. At that time I sported a York "Cefesco Model" rotary recording bass, presumably from Bohn and Meinl. It hung comfortably and even after five 45 minute sets, there was little or no shoulder discomfort. I could never see how anyone thought the sousaphone or helicon was an improvement. In 1969 I spent the year in Europe in an international university program. While there, I was introduced to all sorts of European military bands and never saw one Sousaphone. The only helicons I saw were in antique stores. My point, use a tuba with a strap and forget the shoulder pain from a Sousaphone. Its also easier to go through doorways. Also you would be surprised that a 4/4 tuba really does not seem all that heavy with a strap. I'm not sure I would even worry about getting that smallish 3/4 model.

[Donn]

Good point about going through doorways, and vertical clearance in general. When you hit a sign or something overhead, the force is transmitted via mouthpiece to your face. Walking with front (side) valves works better for me than top valves.

[Joemac]

Thanks Paul. I'm gonna take that advise. I've actually spoken to a few people about tubas they're selling and none of them are 3/4. I'm looking for the best one I can afford that isn't to heavy. I may try to find one with a recording bell. A few people have suggested that because I'll be playing outdoors at times.

[oldpatterns]

If you are in the Boston area and looking at the Chinese tubas - try contacting Anthem Instruments. They have 2 b Flat tubas http://www.antheminstruments.com/brass.htm#a2000_tuba" target="_blank. My son used to play the 4 value - it is a 186 Miraphone clone. I believe David French Music sells their instruments. Yes, it is another variation on the Chinese tubas - but you would be able to test the one you got. Anthem also did repairs on our instrument we got from them since, we lived near them. Both tubas include a case. Their 4 value rotary tuba sounded better when we used it with a different mouthpiece.

https://www.davidfrenchmusic.com" target="_blank

-michelle

[ken k]

ditto this! I have an old Yamaha 103 just for these types of gigs, small dixie trio stuff, works great.

ken k
the little jupiter three valvers (386?) work great too. I have two of them at my elementary school and they play very well.

I don't think there's a better 3/4 tuba than these (all the same):
Olds O-99/O-99-1
Reynolds Contempora (fixed bell)
Bach 869/879

Almost as good:
Conn 12J/15J/5J

Still pretty good. Best for carrying:
Yamaha YBB-103

All easy to find. Usually mislabeled on ebay or in a Craigslist titled simply "tuba". They all shrug off moderate body damage and continue to play fine. Also these are rarely played to death, usually cast aside early in life after body damage so tend to have great valve compression.

[WC8KCY]

I would also suggest the Yamaha YBB-103. These were also sold under the Holton brand. The most musically uncompromised 3/4 BBb I've come across, bar none. Easy handling, great valves, workable intonation, predictable response, and surprisingly rich tone with a good solid core. These are really handy instruments to have around.

One thing to consider: Down the road, should you decide to sell your 3/4 BBb, a 103 will be easy to resell--this model has a lot of fans here on TubeNet--and you'll probably be able to at least recover what you paid for it.

[vespa50sp]

An older horn is fine as long as the valveset is good and you are not looking for pretty. I think you should be able to find one. I also think that the Yamaha YBB-103 would be a fine choice. I have a Jim Laabs shop two miles from my home and have never been impressed with the tubas (their 4 valve compensating Euph is nice though). I am considering a Wessex.