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In the end, it's the player that makes it professional. There are many euphonium and tenor tuba parts that have been played excellently by session and orchestral tuba players on a Yamaha YEP-321, their "intermediate" horn. With the exception of some european models, the "professional" euphoniums are all 3+1, which would require a bit more adjustment. Also in the U.S. they are quite expensive.

There are plenty of pro players using quite old tubas by York, Conn, Etc that were then refurbished, had extra valves added, etc.

In the end it's what gets the job done. The majority of professional players are not people like Alan Baer, who have models designed to his specifications marketed by various companies. Most are using tubas they just bonded with, or had changed to meet their specific playing preferences.

I have to assume that
1) a professional tuba player is typically highly skilled, and
2) a real professional tuba would therefore be designed to suit a highly skilled player.

Which I know I am not, so it seems like a thoroughly bad idea to look for a professional tuba. Independent of whether there really is any such thing.

The pickup analogy is useful here, but slightly off because I don't think the "pro" in that context is supposed to be a professional pickup truck driver, just has some profession that requires the use of a pickup truck. Professional scrap metal trader, something like that. For the sake of the analogy, though, let's say he or she is really supposed to be a professional driver, who, I don't know, can shift without using the clutch and perform other feats of skill that would make my eyes bug out, and my old Ford Ranger wouldn't provide him with the full range of opportunities to exercise that skill, with its automatic transmission, power steering etc. Features that I find desirable, not being any kind of pro.

bloke wrote:......"Isn't the consummate 'professional' tuba an old 186?"

No, it's an Alexander.

Pro Grade means that if you are professional and using it for work or a living, it will suit your needs and perform all the tasks a professional throws at it. Usually means as well, that it (tuba or a truck) has features or build quality higher than "standard" that will perform said tasks up to par or better in working conditions IE: Tougher materials, better suspension, build quality in general and options to make this possible.

bloke wrote:"Isn't the consummate 'professional' tuba an old 186?"

This ^

My horn choices demonstrate that I both buy hype as well as occasionally YOLO my way into a non hyped but pro quality horn.

Edit: but I fell in love with a yorkbrunner long before I knew what it was. I just finally got an opportunity to get my dream horn.

Bnich93 wrote:My horn choices demonstrate that I both buy hype as well as occasionally YOLO my way into a non hyped but pro quality horn.

Edit: but I fell in love with a yorkbrunner long before I knew what it was. I just finally got an opportunity to get my dream horn.

I guess my horn choices fall into the category of "decades-old horns that were professional grade in their day, but have fallen out of fashion with the modern player, and thus can usually be found fairly cheap by comparison"

I guess we call that "vintage"?

SousaWarrior9 wrote:

Bnich93 wrote:My horn choices demonstrate that I both buy hype as well as occasionally YOLO my way into a non hyped but pro quality horn.

Edit: but I fell in love with a yorkbrunner long before I knew what it was. I just finally got an opportunity to get my dream horn.

I guess my horn choices fall into the category of "decades-old horns that were professional grade in their day, but have fallen out of fashion with the modern player, and thus can usually be found fairly cheap by comparison"

I guess we call that "vintage"?

Great Minds think alike. I'd put my "pro" 2341 up against any horn as far as playability..problem with humans is we're never satisfied and have to keep pushing until we pushed too far and end up wanting what we had to start with.

the elephant wrote:Schiller Elite BBb American Heritage (made in Germany, China) PROSUMER SERIES tuba-shaped-objects are FINALLY HERE!

WHOOP WHOOP!

When the valves on my Schiller Elite BB-flat American Heritage tuba wear out, it will likely be repurposed as a prosumer-grade umbrella stand or perhaps even a prosumer-grade bird bath.

After being cut down to CC, of course...

WHOOP WHOOP!