Suggestion for BBb tuba

[DCottrell]

My local middle school band teacher has asked for advice. He has a huge Besson BBb and 2 small Yamahas (105's I think) and wants something in between. I thought of Conn 2J/5J, that sort of size. Valve type and configuration is not crucial, 4 valves preferred, but not a deal breaker. Don't forget, these horns are handled by 12-14 year old school kids, so they need to be a little robust.
I am not familiar enough with everything out there, but it looks like all the "3/4" sized horns are clones of the YBB 105 with the 16" bell and smallish bore. A King 2341 might be the right size but pretty heavy. Oh yeah, budget is under $3000 if possible. My advice is to look for a refurbished 5J or Olds . Whaddya think?

[Ltrain]

Wessex's entry-level BBbs would be the first place I'd look IMHO. I just like the personal touch they put on thier JinBao product. I had a recent good experience buying a horn from Jonathan. In terms of other reputable stencil-distributing vendors with showrooms you may want to visit, Mack is the closest drive to you, followed by Dillon, then... if you want a road trip... Tuba Exchange (in order of shortest to longest drives) if my mental geography is correct.

[edsel585960]

11j or 12J conns are a good size along with olds 99 series. Don't count the Yamaha 103 and 104 out if you can find them. Heavier than the new 105"S and can handle some abuse.

[Voisi1ev]

The answer seems obvious, no...(??)

- Bide your time and find a good/used "new style" King 2341, or buy a new Eastman knock-off of this model.

I have a 'new?" 2341 for my kids. Works really well, good sound:easy for 13 year old to hold ratio.

[ken k]

the 12J or 5J are good options, there is also a King 1135 (I think) which is sort of a 7/8 sized horn with the 12J valve set. unfortunagtely these will be over the $3000 price range unless you can buy used.

Jupiter has a 7/8 sized horn too, with four valves, (432? now the JTU1010?), but again they are expensive.

the old Olds 99 is nice too but no one seems to make a horn like that right now.

Dillon Music has two horns that they stencil, a 1795 which is a small four rotor valve BBb (which is coincidentally $1795), and a 7/8 model which looks like a copy of the King 1140. these two are well within your friend's budget
kk

[iiipopes]

The answer seems obvious, no...(??)

- Bide your time and find a good/used "new style" King 2341, or buy a new Eastman knock-off of this model.

+1.

[SousaWarrior9]

The answer seems obvious, no...(??)

- Bide your time and find a good/used "new style" King 2341, or buy a new Eastman knock-off of this model.

Agreed