best BBb tubas under $5000

tubatom91 · Post by **tubatom91** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 3:26 pm

I used to be abig war buff back in the day like 2 years ago but I got my "feelers out" as my mom likes to say and am searching like crazy for a decent 186

WilliamVance · Post by **WilliamVance** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:51 am

I'm still loving my King 2341. It has been a very powerful horn and the notes all center easily. I say it's the best value for the money when it comes to BBb's. I definately recommend testing out several horns at a reputable dealer before spending that kind of cash, and I'm saying that from experience. Best of luck choosing a new horn!

Rick Denney · Post by **Rick Denney** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:39 am

Doc wrote:My only problem with the King is that many require work to get them into playing condition. They should come that way for as much as they cost. Other than that, it's not a bad axe.

If you buy it from the right store, they will come that way. The right store for a King is Dillon or Baltimore Brass rather than the local outlet.

Rick "thinking 'dealer prep' is worth the little that it costs, but only when the dealer has the expertise" Denney

Liberty Mo · Post by **Liberty Mo** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:57 am

The King 2341, with a little bit of modification is the best value in the BBb market today. As with ANY horn, play several and pick the best.

However, that being said, I don't want to give you the impression that it is the Toyota Camry of the BBb market. Its more than just a good value in terms of pricing. The horn is very good, very well centered, very usable in small or large ensembles and solo work, and pitch is very good.

After playing dozens of differnt BBb horns, some with a price under $1000 and some with a price over $8k, the King, for me, was the best all around horn. The 186 was very good, but I prefer the shorter American ergonomics of the King opposed to the German style Miraphone.

Bottom line, try several different brands and models.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:12 pm

Just don't bid on the tuba on eBay right now that says it's a Miraphone when it's really a Musica, unless you really want a Musica instead!

tubatom91 · Post by **tubatom91** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:32 pm

gotcha I am planing a trip to WWBW to go try out some tubas I tried to see if a a local store(quinland and fabish) could get one in or have some in stock.but to no avail all the can get is yamahasand 3/4 student models for rent

Alex F · Post by **Alex F** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:52 pm

You won't find any tubas in stores around here (Chicago). Trust me, I called about every store around here when I was looking last year.

If you go to WWBW, call and speak with Roger Lewis, their tuba specialist, first. Roger is well-known to us and will be very helpful, but you need to check his schedule to make sure he'll be there when you are. Depending on how much time you have, you might also plan a trip to Custom Music, which is near Detroit.

You also want to make sure that they have the tubas you want to try in stock. With the 186s, it's usually no problem.

drewfus · Post by **drewfus** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 1:40 am

As an unabashed amatuer, I am going to throw my hat in the ring for the Yamaha YBB-321. Why you may ask?

I live in a place without a repair shop around the corner, or even within an hour drive. The Yammy is to me what my Toyota Tacoma is. Reliable and mostly unbreakable. I keep a set of springs/felts/valve guides on hand (Ebay!), and that is it. I think I was lucky to have found one that had been privately owned, not an old school horn. It is in great shape.

I recently participated in the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, surrounded by Miraphones, two 191's and a 186. The 191's were brought by the 9th Army Band guys, lucky punks. The Yammy can hang with any other BBb as far as I can tell. I never felt like I was being played over.

I play in the community band with 2 guys that have King 2341's. One of those guys is the principal tubist in our local symphony, he plays the same 2341 there. They are an impressive looking beast, but that big ol' bell looks like a dent magnet. Plus, he has to do the "King spin" regularly.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 12:16 pm

everything is relative. as Fast Eddie would say" if you can't TELL the difference,why PAY the difference?"

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:12 pm

Conn 5J on eBay

Jeffrey Hicks · Post by **Jeffrey Hicks** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:30 pm

I will vote no on the Conn 5j. While they are nice they are not that good of an all around BBb. Just a little too small. Good intonation and built well but if you are a solo player trying to keep up with a decent sized ensemble it is really hard to do. Just my opinion and ymmv....

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:43 pm

Hey, J Hicks -- would that be a nefarious welcome with a saxophone, or a saxhorn?

Jeffrey Hicks · Post by **Jeffrey Hicks** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:47 pm

definitely a saxophone.