Wow, this thread has taken off like an unmonitored garden weed since I last checked it... and I thought it was dead! The conversation diverted away a bit from "the OP's intent" (hem hem) but I figured I'll try to answer some questions that may or may not have been directed at me (at least for the sake of driving further discussion)...
First, what's my musical goal? I don't do any serious solo work, I don't play in a quintet, and I'm certainly never going to be auditioning for any paying gigs that could replace my non-music day job (unfortunately). I'm still getting my technique grounded after quitting the instrument for 12 years – it's now been almost 18 months since I got my Eastman 632 (CC). I chose to come back on CC because that's what I was coerced into studying in college. The Eastman has served me well. It's a gorgeous horn that I've put through its paces and I've bonded with it. However, in the last 6 of those 18 months, I've been playing BBb sousaphone for over 90% of my total weekly playing... so much so that I can safely say "I relearned BBb".
Why a BBb/piston/4-quarter-sized horn? As I stated above, I'm not a pro by any means, and with my day job, I have limited practice time on one key of tuba as it is. BBb would allow me to settle into "mastering" one key and practice my concert band and brass band music efficiently on one instrument. It's also about space efficiency – having to unpack my sousaphone just to practice BBb is an ordeal. I'm also limiting the size to 4/4 for NYC floor real estate and subway-schlepping reasons. Pistons? ...I just prefer pistons
Right now, my Eastman is a perfect compromise in size, sounds, looks, and playability... I'm just starting to question why I'm still playing CC since I play literally only concert band, dixieland, and pop tunes. Why not play BBb like that music calls for?
Why the models in polls? Not only do they tick all the boxes stated above but I found great deals on each one. I also have a very motivated potential buyer of my Eastman 632 (if I can bring myself to sell it), so I was seeking direction around BBb alternatives for a quick replacement...
King 2341 (modern) – I have seen great deals for these on the used market. I also heard that MAW valves do absolute wonders for opening up this horn. For the selling price of my Eastman, I could snatch up a used 2341, drop in some MAW's, and still have $$$ left over.
Eastman 534 – Same as above if I can get over the lack of aesthetic refinement that this horn is missing compared to the 632.
Miraphone 1291 – I'm reluctant to announce this... there is an "otherwise like-new" 1291 BBb with a bell repair scar on WWBW (and sister sites) for just a little over $7K
Wessex Viverna TB480 – I'm just a fan of Wessex, especially their "original" creations. This horn seems to pack a lot of firepower for not a lotta $$$. I'm intrigued.
Kanstul 33-S – After hearing glowing reviews over the 90 model, I negotiated a deal with Jack Kanstul (through my NPO foundation) to acquire a 33-S for what I could nearly afford. However, after being unable to find a horn to demo and hearing "not so glowing" reviews about this model, I decided to walk away. I'm still curious about his horn – especially the deal with its tiny bore!
Conclusion: I've learned it's wise not to be hasty with these things. I'm going to slowly shop around (maybe wait until ITEC '19). So, I'm keeping my 632 until I PLAY something that actually works better for me. It seems the 632 is simply an unprecedented bargain and IMHO perhaps even "best in class" in terms of value. Who knows, maybe something better won't come alone (at my price point) and I'll just get over the BBb vs CC thing like so many of you fine people have already suggested a just "play the notes"!
Signing off for now but setting a reminder to tune back in later,
Ryan