Top 5 tuba brands

[tubacorbin]

Ok I'll bite. In no particular order. These are MY favorites based on what I have played and/or owned.

Meinl Weston
Willson
Gronitz
Nirschl
Yamaha

[Brown Mule]

Top 5 Tuba brands as follows--------------Graves & Co,Boston, E.G Wright, Brura Keefer of Williamsport,Pa, Allen& Hall of Boston and John F Stratton.

[tromboneaphone123]

Ok, so now I want to sit down with several horns and play to decide which I like best, but I don't know where to go to just sit down and play. Does anyone know of any shops that have a bunch of tubas that you can play? I noeed it to be in the western United States, preferably within a 600 mile radius of Salt Lake but anything in the West will do. Thanks guys!

[schlepporello]

Fly to San Antonio next February for TMEA.

[ckalaher1]

I quit playing about 8 years ago. About 17 months ago, I started saving money and made a few trips to South Bend to sample the horns that were available, then purchased a tuba in April. It stood out to me that many of the tubas currently available offer outstanding levels of playability. These instruments vary in key, size, etc.

If you live in Utah, is a trip to LA to visit the Horn Guys out of the question? That would seem to be the closest place that would offer a reasonable sampling of instruments to try. Make a trip and try out as many as you can, but I understand that is sometimes not possible.

Just an opinion-give the Miraphone Bruckner a try. Of the new horns I played, I perfered it above all else. A fine, fine instrument that balances playability and sound quality as well as any model I have played.

Good luck in your search.

[jonesmj]

Fly to San Antonio next February for TMEA.

OR Army Tuba Conference end of January...

[TUBAD83]

IMO and in order:
1) Miraphone
2) Meinl Weston/B&S
3) Hirsbrunner
4) Willson
5) Yamaha

JJ

[bort]

Well, what does "top" mean? Top selling? Highest quality?

Sales-wise, I'd imagine:
Miraphone
Meinl-Weston
B&S
Yamaha
Cerveny? (I dunno...)

Top quality (though many are excellent, these are more handmade/"boutique")
Alexander
Gronitz
Rudy Meinl
Thein
Hirsbrunner or Adams

[opus37]

How come Kanstul hasn't been listed? If your looking for a new horn and you are out west, the Horn Guys will have them to play. As you are sampling horns, these are worth your time to try.

[windshieldbug]

1. The one you sound best on.
2. The one your teacher thinks you sound best on.
3. The one that lets you play the music in front of you with the least trouble.
4. The one that has the best pitch response with a mouthpiece that works for you.
5. The one you can play all day and with the least effort.

[The Big Ben]

If someone wants a good 4/4 BBb horn, don't forget the King 2341. The new ones and all of the wide variety of older Kings have great reputations.

[Homerun]

1. The one you sound best on.

+1,000,000