redux: "the most important characteristic of a tuba"

[Three Valves]

Who is the genius that invented a lead pipe that backs up all the spit on you instead of going thru the instrument??

After poor intonation, that's the only other thing that really singes me...

[LCTuba89]

If intonation is the top priority then I think most "pro" players would avoid 5/4 and 6/4 tubas; most 4/4 tubas play in tune relatively well. As much as I enjoy playing a larger tuba, it is a welcome break to play a 4/4 tuba who's pitching doesn't require as much of a trombone hand. One day all larger tubas may play as in tune as 4/4 but I don't think that's coming anytime soon. For now I'll live with riding the 3rd slide on the Melton, but hopefully one day I'll play a similar sized horn that requires less slide pulling.

[pjv]

Which F tuba do you play nowadays? Still using your old B&S Symphonie?

[Peach]

As I see it, in the US there is an issue that F tuba is very much a second instrument to the Contrabass in an overwhelming majority of cases (do correct me if I'm wrong). They may have standard orchestral rep down, but in quintet they might well get caught out.
Ibterested to hear if this is how it really is, or more my interpretation!