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I've been using a tuba rest for 32+ years now, largely to improve my posture (long torso) and relax muscles that were being used to support the horn. I think I started with the DEG tuba rest which was junk, finally worked my way to a percussion stand with the DEG top fitted into it. Worked great but weighed a TON (still have it). When Baltimore Brass put theirs into production I got one of the first ones and have had it ever since. Durable, Dependable, Portable, guaranteed for life. Recommend the BBC Tuba Rest in the highest possible way!

I’ve got a plethora of back and left shoulder issues, and I don’t play a note without the tuba on a rest.

I’ve got two BBC rests; one in the house and one in the car. They’re great and are of far better quality than any other rest I’ve ever used. Highly recommended.

I'll make it a threesome! The BB rest is far away the best I have tried. It is durable, compact, not very heavy [fits in my bag with the music stand], and stands up to daily use for years and years. My first one lasted over 10 years and, when it finally gave up of overuse, Dave gave me another one---they are lifetime guaranteed. I like that the legs sit almost flat to the floor, so I am not tripping over it all the time like with the K&M. Built like a tank, too.

I've actually used the Hercules display stand on my 181 for the past few years. Had spine/shoulder issues a few years ago that caused me to stop playing for almost a year. This stand let me start playing again, and thankfully was the perfect height for my horn.

Since buying my J-865 a month ago, I've bought their playing stand and am trying it out. I like it for the most part.

Pros: light, sturdy, low profile legs, fits in the messenger bag I keep all my stuff in, large adjustment range (haven't tried seeing if it goes to standing height, but it's designed for tuba or euphonium, so it'll go pretty high), different configurations to accommodate different horns.

Cons: So far, the only con I've found is that the bow of my horn slips on the material. Shelf liner helps with that. Can't really speak to durability yet, but the display stand is still in great shape after six years of at least weekly use, so I'm not particularly worried about it.

nworbekim wrote:thank you all, for responding. it appears the BB must be the best one. i hate to give up my padded bench, those old chairs get kinda hard in a 2.5 hour rehearsal.

I also like the BBC stand. For seating, try a firm cello cushion. It will be comfortable, improve your posture and is designed to be carried by musicians with large instruments.

nworbekim wrote:thank you all, for responding. it appears the BB must be the best one. i hate to give up my padded bench, those old chairs get kinda hard in a 2.5 hour rehearsal. i may have to get one of those AS SEEN ON TV pads but i'm tired of carrying that bench around. this will be much better. i looked at my backpack tonight and i think i can rig up a way to attach it to the back.

Yes, the chairs are hard--that's why I carry the "As seen on TV" pad around to tighten up my horn in the bag!
As an aside: I used to have the bow of the tuba rest in the saddle the long way. Then, I watched a youtube of Deanna Swoboda, I think, and she sat the bow cross-ways on the saddle. I tried it and found it less likely to slip off that way--go figure.
The BBC will do nicely. As to the 2 different ones, I think there may be a taller version for standing/playing, but I'm not certain. I know K&M has a standing version, but you would need a Sherpa porter to transport that kind of weight!