Tuba Recommendations

Sandman333 · Post by **Sandman333** » Sun May 07, 2006 2:54 pm

Next Fall I will be attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando for a BA in tuba performance and a BS in mechanical engineering and I need a tuba. So far in my life I have gotten by without owning an instrument, and therefore, don't know what to look for. The tuba prof. would like me to get a CC tuba, and I would like that tuba to last me at least four years of playing in different ensembles, largely a symphony orchestra and the opposite end of the spectrum, brass quintet. Currently I have about $6000 dollars available, and in another month I may be able to get another $1000 together. I don't mind, and would actually prefer a used tuba.

Currently I play on my high school's miraphone 186. I have been eyeing (online) a few Conn 56Js, but none, that I have seen, are near me in Florida to try, but I have no opinions on how suitable they are for every setting.

So, the terms:
-CC
-Orchestral and quintet
-$6-7000
-Tryable (Florida, or shipping with the ability to return cheaply)

greatk82 · Post by **greatk82** » Sun May 07, 2006 4:42 pm

viewtopic.php?t=14442

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Sun May 07, 2006 10:26 pm

for that budget you could get a nice older large CC and a useable f.Shop hard.i've got just the f,pm me

quinterbourne · Post by **quinterbourne** » Sun May 07, 2006 10:40 pm

greatk82 wrote:viewtopic.php?t=14442

The PT-6p is a great horn, but you might find it too much for brass quintet... and even for a lot of (amateur->semi-pro) orchestral situations.

from Baltimore brass
CANADIAN BRASS/Getzen CB50 5 valve (4P/1R) silverplated CC tuba in very good condition with Anvil type case on wheels and gigbag. $6400.

Dillon's have a couple of Miraphone tubas (188 and 186) - http://www.dillonmusic.com/Used_Instrum ... ed%20Tubas

viewtopic.php?t=14398

viewtopic.php?t=14460

viewtopic.php?t=14187

viewtopic.php?t=14178

tubagirl5 · Post by **tubagirl5** » Mon May 08, 2006 12:28 am

First words of advise....don't buy too quickly. You have a good amount of money to get a very good horn and don't give it up until you got what you want...this is what you have to figure out, what do you want? From your post it looks like you need a good all-around horn. Personally, I would suggest the GB-50, MW 2145, Miraphone 186, etc....something around that is capable of doing all sorts of playing without hindering you. Seeing as you are in FL...try out as many tubas (contact other tubists at colleges, universities and get your professor in on this) and you are bound to try out many 4/4 all-around style horns. Once you generally know what you want I would go to a store (custom music, baltimore brass, dillion music, woodwind brasswind, etc.) that will have a handful (hopefully) in stock and pick out the best one. If you will be able to possibly buy an f tuba in a year or two (or if the school owns one) you than can consider a 5/4 horn if that fits you better (like the PT-6 mentioned above). If you can wait until Jan. the all-state convention in tampa generally has custom music, tuba exchange, etc. there. I am from FL...did my undergrad at USF, so if you need any help with contacts, etc. let me know. Good Luck!!!!

quinterbourne · Post by **quinterbourne** » Mon May 08, 2006 12:56 am

tubagirl5 wrote:don't buy too quickly.

Excellent advice. I have to keep reminding myself to be patient. You are making a big purchase, an instrument that will be with you for a fairly long time... getting a good match will allow you to grow as a musician.

However, sometimes you have to act quick. A while back someone was welling a Meister Walter Nirschl (WN-15) for a real super good price. It sold within two days... and I am still kicking myself for not driving down there immediately! I tried some of these WN-15 tubas at Custom Music and boy did I love them.

If you do have to purchase somewhat quickly, make sure you get something that will retain it's resale value. A quick purchase may be necessary in your situation, but make sure you have a "plan B" in case you find yourself unhappy with your purchase down the road.

There are certain horns out there that are a "hard sell" such as the Besson 995, in my opinion, so be careful. Other horns such as the MW2145 move fairly quickly.

Erin · Post by **Erin** » Tue May 09, 2006 7:25 pm

About buying: Be patient and trust your teacher. Since you're not near any of the "big" tuba joints and you plan on buying used, try to find a seller who lets you have a trial period in return for a downpayment. (This takes trust... a lot of it...)

About the size thing: (which I realize wasn't an issue presented by the original poster) Why not get a mid-size (4/4) CC? You'll be able to play it in just about any setting. I've played my 4/4 CC in many different groups (including a couple gigs with the local professional symphony) and I've never heard a complaint about my playing that had anything to do with the size of my horn.

(Side note: I just really don't "get" the "bigger is better" mentality. Must be a guy thing....?)

Also, just because you have $7000 doesn't mean you need to spend it all. You can probably find a great horn in the $5000 range without too much trouble. More expensive doesn't always mean better. (Which I'm sure you all know, but we all need a little reminding sometimes.)

Good luck and have fun!

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Wed May 10, 2006 1:03 am

Oh, for the love of .... Um, thanks, but I hope Rick and bloke don't feel insulted at being listed with them....I'm just a hard headed guy who blows hard and isn't too afraid of what it smells like....

Sandman333 · Post by **Sandman333** » Wed May 10, 2006 4:17 pm

Thank you for all the input! Especially the advice about size. I would like to keep the price down on the tuba, so I can buy a bone to march with. So in addition to a CC tuba, if anyone knows of a trigger bones for 500 or less (I'm already looking at those on trombone.org) I'm all ears. I doubt I will be buying an F tuba until after I graduate college, so this tuba will have to last me.