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Long story short I just graduated and am in my first teaching gig. I have been asked to play for a youth orchestra (just to cover the tuba part) however I do not have a decent horn (YBB-102). A high school director has graciously let me borrow his Ybb-631s. I have decided I hate this horn. It is so stuffy, uncomfortable, the upper partials dont seem to lock in and the tuning is really not that great (multiple alt fingerings). My question is this: Has anyone else experienced the same thing? I guess it is not very common to have a compensating tuba. Is it just that specific horn or are all compensating tubas like that?

Side note:
As far as not having my own tuba yes beggars cant be choosers, however I want to understand more about the different types of tubas. Yes I am saving up $$ to buy a tuba, I am thinking of the eastman EBC632...

The general consensus here seems to be to get thee to a tuba store and try several different ones to see what works for you. Baltimore Brass, Dillon Music (north Jersey) and the Horn Guys (southern California) are three such places. If we know where you're located, we might be able to make a more-specific recommendation.

You'll probably be living with this purchase for a while, so do your research.

Thats all true, and I live in southern AZ and I didn't know about horn guys. Its difficult when people say to go try out horns at a store and the ones I have been to rarely have more than 2 tubas, and they never have any CC tubas. I just want to see if anyone else who has played a compensating tuba before and what their thoughts are on it.

I would like to learn more about the tendencies of each instrument. Ex. I feel like yamahas tend to be heavier. Or piston valves tend to be faster... Ect.

I actually was just looking around at some shops and it looks like Milanos has built up their tuba selection since I last went. I sent an email to see what they have.

In an attempt to actually respond to the original question:
the compensated horns I have tried so far varied greatly in their degree of stuffiness. It seems reasonable to me that You simply experienced a bad-for-You specimen.

The ergonomics involved are not for everyone, neither. Some manufacturers have tried to improve handling, but it seems to take a few weeks of rearranging bones, sinews, and muscles to feel comfortable with these horns.

Keep an open mind on Your search for a horn

Hans

If you decide to come to LA and need a place to crash while you're checking out the tubas, let me know.

I own a YBB-631 and find it to be a fine horn. My last horn of this quality was a Meinl-Weston. The 631 is not the most comfortable to play, but I have long arms, so I don't find any issues with holding the horn, or the use of the 4th valve.
As far as playing in tune, the fully compensating tuba does as much as you can possibly want to provide good intonation........at a cost of more weight in the extra piping. Again, keep in mind the 631 is a full 4/4 concert horn, so the larger horns are more cumbersome. I use a strap and have found that resolves my issues with the 631. Keep trying different makes and models until you find the one that talks to you!! It's all about personal preference.