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Well I've been playing for about 5 years now and I'm thinking next year I want to try out for various local Orchestras. My main focus is to make the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. As of now I use a school owned Bb Mirafone 186 it's okay but with the possibility of presuming music through college would it be the right time to get a C tuba? and if so what are your opinions for good college tuba? I've heard from my instructor that the Kalison DS is the way to go but I have had a real hard time finding them. They probably get snatched up as soon as they get put on the market. With me being new to this forum I would really love to hear from the great wisdom that is Tubenet As of preferences for a tuba I really would like piston valves and for it to be either 5/4 or a large 4/4. As for price it's not that huge of a deal as long as it's not more than $7000 if the price is it's not that big of a deal ill just have to spend more time working at Wendy's All opinions are welcome.

Miraphone 1291 would suit you well.

Tuba Exchange has a Kalison up on there site.

Looks like a truly GREAT horn. Only if I had the money Time to start working I guess

Watch the horns for sale ads and take your time. I bought a very nice horn this year for half of your budget, and then saw another one just like it sell for less money.

GregTuba79 wrote:I would look for a better paying job than Wendys to pay off a $7,000 horn. With that said, you could buy a really nicely playing Mack Brass or Wessex C tuba for 1/3 that and stay at Wendys and not feel guilty.

I concur. I would reach out to Tom at MackBrass or Jonathan at Wessex and discuss getting one of their 186 clones and possibly one of their PT-10 clones. If you are serious about wanting to go into orchestral playing, it would be beneficial to be able to get around both a C and an F (not to mention you could probably get both for your budget).

I have played the 186 clones, the PT-10 clones, and the PT6P clones and all are great options and are amazingly good horns for what they cost.

As is true for any tuba purchase when possible, unless it comes recommended by a reputable tubist and is a particularly good example of that particular instrument, I wouldn't buy without getting to play it first. This is particularly true with the Kalison, based on my experience.

58mark wrote:I must have played some bad Kalisons in my life, because I've never found one I got excited about enough to recommend it

so many choices out there, I found it interesting that a DS is at the top of the OP's list.

Ditto, except I thought it was strange that the DS was at the top of his list.

I always hesitate to recommend a brand to a student, I usually recommend specific instruments. The Miraphone 186 is safe because students can usually get their investment out when they sell it... and they will sell it.