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A friend of mine and I were having a discussion. We both like brass instruments and are starting to have a bit of a collection. Which got me to wondering. I personally have what I think is a nice tuba. Yet I am considering adding another not because I need it. I don't make a living playing. Nor am I playing with a group or certain pieces that require a different horn. But in my case I would like something different in addition to what I have. So for those in a similar situation what made you decide on "your Choice" For some I'm sure it was wanting to learn a different key, or possibly wanting both rotors and pistons etc... Some may just want a different sound or like with a lot of things over time we just want something different. There are no wrong answers here just curious how "we" came to have what we have...

JJ

I have a BBb because that’s what I learned on.

I have a heavier tuba because it sounds so much nicer than an undersized one. (Still looking)

I decided to go from pistons to rotors, mostly due to rotors effectively running all of my precious bodily fluids out of one spit valve.

I chose my wife because she was the only one who would have me!!

Three Valves wrote:I have a BBb because that’s what I learned on.

I have a heavier tuba because it sounds so much nicer than an undersized one. (Still looking)

I decided to go from pistons to rotors, mostly due to rotors effectively running all of my precious bodily fluids out of one spit valve.

I chose my wife because she was the only one who would have me!!

I can dispute none of this

JJ

Three Valves wrote: I chose my wife because she was the only one who would have me!!

You better not ever say that to HER if you want to stay married.....

bloke wrote:> easy tuning
> effortless to play (to the point of not being "instrument aware")
> fools people into thinking I've been practicing

I just bought a Packer/Sterling JP377 3+1 compensating Eb from Bloke a couple of weeks ago and have had it about a week. It fits the first two criteria beautifully, and I'm extremely happy with it. As for the third, it's an excellent horn, but it's not imbued with black magic . . .

After this week I'll have two more rehearsals and a brass band concert for reference, and I'll put up a detailed review of the purchase process and the instrument. It's all made me a happy man.

BBb - I mainly play euph these days so it’s less for the brain to process.

4/4 and Compact - Not too small but easy to wrangle. Nothing in pieces, everything goes in one case and the bell doesn’t stick out a mile. (I was playing a borrowed King 2341 for a while and wasn’t really enjoying it. I’m 5’4” with a short reach and small hands.)

Rotors - Everything well in reach, including the water key.

4 valves wasn’t a “requirement” but it was a bonus. I like having the option for alternative fingerings.

And...cost was a factor, but that’s no fun to talk about.

Three Valves wrote:I chose my wife because she was the only one who would have me!!

I think that might hold true for many of us...........

MaryAnn wrote:

Three Valves wrote: I chose my wife because she was the only one who would have me!!

You better not ever say that to HER if you want to stay married.....

She actually reminds me of this fact every time we argue!!