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I'm beginning to think about a smaller CC tuba, to be used when I don't want to lug around my main instrument and for a more compact sound in certain small ensemble situations. Since I will be in tuba nirvana at the Army workshop next week, I thought I would find as many as possible to give a try. I'm not really aware of what's out there, so...

1) What specific horns would you folks recommend that I search for? Rough basic parameters: 4 or 5 valves, rotary or piston, probably a bell diameter of 15" or less, probably a main bore size well under .7 inches. (Please note the "probablies.")

2) The Yamaha 621 sits right within these parameters, but it sure didn't get much love in the recent thread about cutting one down to make the missing Eb horn in the 621 series. What are the issues with the CC version of this horn?

Thanks for the help.

Hsprouse wrote:The Yamaha 621

Sure sounds like you've answered your own question.

Maybe a 184 as an alternative?

The Kanstul 902-5C looks like and interesting horn, never seen one but I'd love to give one a spin. The BMB 3/4 CC is supposedly a real hot rod, again no personal experience with it. Good luck!

Take a look at Dick Barth's "Big Mouth Brass" CC tubas. You might like the small one.

Art Hovey wrote:Take a look at Dick Barth's "Big Mouth Brass" CC tubas. You might like the small one.

+1

The 3/4 is awesome!

You may want to look for a vintage Miraphone 184. They're great. I have an older 186 that I love for when I don't need the PT6 for but don't want to play f tuba.

DB

The Rudy Meinl 3/4 is smaller than a Mirafone 186, but a bit bigger than a 185. I always thought this was a wonderful alternative to either of the 186/185 choices.

What is your big horn?

And FWIW, I think there is a lack of options for 3/4 CC tubas. Too often, people use large F tubas instead of small CC tubas.

Many years ago, I heard rumors about Alan Baer designing a 3/4 CC. I either misunderstood that, or it changed course, and ended up as the Ursus, a very healthy (and awesome) 4/4 CC.

Baltimore Brass Company has a great used Miraphone 185. Give it a try at the army conference. Not only will you get a great deal, you will get to deal with GREAT people.

In addition to some of the instruments listed previously in the thread, I'd offer up a Conn 2J (or 3J for that matter) as a quality 3/4 CC with I think is @ a .689 bore.

First tuba I bought. It was beat down, had some cosmetic/mechanical issues through no fault of its own, but was a really nice playing tuba with pretty easy intonation, if memory serves.

I have played a five valve 184 since college, the perfect sized and sounding tuba, can be played big if need be, but is very easy blowing, with the typical German sound. The 185 I believe is a bigger tuba than the 184. At my school I had a 621 very nice horn which my students enjoyed playing, but it did not feel as open as the 184 to me. Try the 184 in the end it just comes down to what you like.

184. I tried a Rudy "3/4" and it was, from my lungs' point of view and the hauling around point of view, a BAT. My 184 was great. Of course I like my NStar so much better....
Just a comment: I found that for me, the length of the main bugle has more to do with how easy it is to play than the bore size. Way more. Longer is harder. Shorter is easier.

Very happy with my YCB-621.

Check out Bob Stewart videos for a listen as to what it can do.

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. I plan to have fun over the next few days in Army Tuba Heaven.

Still have my 621 CC. Great little tuba. I feel it can do it all, except support a large ensemble.