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As for part one of your question, the conventional wisdom is that if you have only ONE tuba, an Eb is the most versatile (to cover solo, quintet, band, & orchestra).

My suggestion is a little contrary, however. Most of the things that you are going to get called for, will be best handled by a BBb, or CC horn. I think that the extra work you would have to put in with an Eb, to play in the larger ensembles, is not worth the effort. Having the versatility to cover solo repertiore is not as likely to be an issue for a secondary instrument.

I'm sure others will dissagree, but I think that the general expectation out there, is of a tuba is that can supply that deep sound that is needed, especially if you are the only player on a concert band gig.

an Eb is probably going to be your best bet, even though i've not actually played one. thinking about it though, it makes sense. if you get really serious into it, and you have a generous cash flow (coming out of school, you probably don't, but we all dream about it, right?), you could consider getting an F tuba and then a BBb (rather than C, so you aren't trying to remember 3 fingerings like many of us crazy tubists do.)

best wishes on reaching your goals!

Although I play an Eb myself, if most of your opportunities to play would be with community bands, dixieland groups, etc., why not get a BBb tuba? They are generally a bit cheaper than others, many used ones are readily available, and since you are already playing a Bb instrument, learning the slight finger revisions needed for the lower octave should be a snap.

Don S.

I'm in the exact same position as you, just a few years ahead. I've been teaching in the public schools for almost two years now, after doing a bachelor's and a master's degree. I studied with Pat Sheridan this summer and this very argument came up. To make a long story short, I decided to go the same route as you are, and ended up buying one of Pat's tubas from him. It is a Besson 983 Eb tuba, and I've found the transition to be very easy indeed. If you're familiar with Bb treble clef fingerings for euph/baritone parts, the Eb fingerings in the bass clef will be no problem for you. Email me if you need more info. Good luck!!!

Another way to look at it - If you were a carpenter waiting down at the union hall and could have only one, which hammer would you carry? A 24 oz waffle faced framing hammer (6/4 BBb), an 4 oz tack hammer (small F), or a plain vanilla 16 oz bent claw ( 4/4 CC)? An instrument is a tool, and despite the crude comparisons many of the choices are still the same. NWD

I am learning tuba at the moment. It is fun.

If you just want to switch instruments to get gigs, consider playing trombone. The trombone embouchure is very similar to a euphonium embouchure. This way you can learn trombone without sacrificing the euphonium playing... plus you'll already have a decent trombone sound as you are a euphonium player.

The only problem may be the slide technique. Just be patient and it will come.

Remember, in a orchestra there are 3 trombone parts, but only one tuba part. Bands (and brass bands) have more trombones than tubas as well. You will find 4 trombones in big bands, and usually no tubas. Don't forget brass quartets. Knowledge of both trombone and euphonium is a valuable asset in a brass quintet (while knowing tuba and euphonium is not).

At least where I live, really good trombone players are much higher in demand than good tuba players. It's hard to find work as a tuba player.

Plus... none of us tuba players want to see you moving in on our territory

Well, I'll be contrary to everyone so far.

Seeing as you are about to graduate, I'll assume you read base clef. A BBb, then, will be the easiest to "read", and let you concentrate on the transition the most. I would suggest that a smaller to medium bore horn will also make this transition easier, due to the feel and air usage.

Depending on where you find opportunities in the longer run, you may wish to branch out then. Professional tubists generally play CC and F horns, but that's just like pro trumpet players playing C. They can play Bb, too. In fact, a lot of them would rather. And just like them, I'd suggest that you go with the horn you think sounds best, and gives you the most back. It doesn't sound like you need to be in a hurry. Try a bunch of different keys and different sizes. Who know, you may find that "magic" horn, in which case all of the advice goes out the window.

I went fron euph to tuba. My first horn was a small Mirafone 184 CC. When I got used to the little horn, I went looking for a bigger one, and the next thing I knew, I was playin' in an orchestra.

Do what you think sounds best, and the rest will come...

A BBb would be easier for the switch, but i agree, Eb is a very versitile horn.

As a eupher, you may find the transition to Eb tuba easy. If you read Bb treble clef music then bass clef in Eb may look about right to you.