Consensus Question: Best All-Around Tuba

[Billy M.]

Now I'm sure everyone has a good idea and opinion about this but I'm going to go ahead and get a general consensus and ask:

What is the best all-around tuba you'd recommend for someone to own if they can only afford one horn?

This includes just about any possible venue of participation from solo all the way to large performing ensemble.

[Chuck(G)]

Some folks do just fine with a Conn 8D .

Seriously, are we talking about a euphonium or tuba? Band, chamber or orchestral application?

[Billy M.]

Ok, topic modified, Chuck. As for the application, all arenas from solo work to large orchestra/band settings.

[TubaRay]

For a tuba with capabilities to play a wide range of performances, I believe it is hard to go wrong with a Miraphone 186. I personally own a 5 valve CC, and have for most of my adult life. However, the BBb is a good all-around tuba, also. It is probably not the best tuba available for any one application, but as one tuba to play a wide range of applications, I feel it is difficult to beat.

I'll sit back now and watch as the many opinions roll in. Your's is a good question, but one which probably does not have a definitive answer.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I think you CAN do everything on one horn, but the extreme situations of need may be compromised (i.e. - solo --> 100 piece orchestra).

A 4/4 horn will, by definition, probably be your best bet, and there are plenty of great 4/4 horns to choose from (Hirsbrunner, Rudy Meinl, King, Conn, Miraphone,...et al).

Remember that fundamentally, WE are the only ones who really notice the difference. The only times that non-tub(a)ists seem to notice, is when they see a horn that represents either end of the size spectrum.

[daktx2]

ive heard a bunch of good things about the rudy meinl 3/4CC and the miraphone 191BBb. maybe even a big bass tuba with a nice low register like the yamaha YFB 822 F tuba or the wilson 3400 Eb tuba.

[Captain Sousie]

I like the B&S PT20(p) or the Meinl Weston 2145. They are great all-'round horns. Though Miraphones of most flavors, I prefer a 186-5U, tend to do the trick.

Sousie

[Paul S]

Perhaps the Miraphone 283 Eb tuba “Norwegian Starâ€

[KevinBock]

My PT-4 can do anything under the sun. I also agree with the PT 20 and Meinl 2145 though they are a bit bigger and more of a stretch on the high end. Its the player more than anything in this case though, I personally had no problems filling out the bottom of the ASU orchestra with what would be called a smaller 4/4. But in the end I say a 4/4 C would be most people's consensus

[JayW]

I'll agree with most everyone too.... a 4/4 that you sound good on is probably going to be the best bet for "best all around horn" I just think there are sooooo many choices that it is impossible to narrow it down to one model over another. But the good ol' Full Size horn just seems to have the versatility in all categories.

[jaredsan]

on the miraphone 186 series, is it worth it to spring for the nickel silver slides? (model 4U vs. S)

Im not sure there THAT much benefit other than the fact its pretty.

[Rick Denney]

on the miraphone 186 series, is it worth it to spring for the nickel silver slides? (model 4U vs. S)

Im not sure there THAT much benefit other than the fact its pretty.

The nickel-silver slides will reduce corrosion, but it's probably not a big deal on tuning slides. But a nickel-silver leadpipe, on the other hand, will add years to the instrument. I'm not sure if the S has it, but the pro model does.

Rick "whose Miraphone predates the S models--and the nickel-silver leadpipe" Denney

[IkeH]

If you can find one of the GOOD Cerveny Piggies, you would be set in just about every situation. They're very small, lightweight and can produce a big dark sound. They also come in different names, i.e. Sanders, Sear, possibly others.

[CJ Krause]

***

[Lee Stofer]

There is no one answer to this question that fits everyone. Everyone is unique, therefore what is best for you may very well not be what someone else confidently tells you. If you can only own one tuba at this time (and that may well change over time), then here are the repairman/player's picks for a dependable instrument with a wide range of capabilities; Mirafone 186 (either BBb or CC), Mirafone 188 (either BBb or CC), traditional 3+1 Besson BBb or EEb, Meinl-Weston 25, 30, 31, 32, 2145 or 2155, most any Cerveny in BBb or CC, King 2341(old-style or new), Conn 3J, Kanstul 3/4 CC or 5/4 BBb, DS model Kalison(preferably silver-plated), most B&S Perantucci tubas, and any BBb or CC Rudolf Meinl or Hirsbrunner that you can afford. The disclaimer that goes with this is that all manufacturers have had particular instruments leave the factory with small-to-not-so-small defects. Also, because of a limited budget, you may do better getting a better-quality used instrument than by buying a new, lesser instrument. At any rate, it is time to stop askin' us about it and go shopping! And, if possible, have your prospective purchase checked out by your teacher and your repairman. That way, you can buy with confidence.

[MartyNeilan]

For only one horn, I would recommend the MW 2145, as it will hold together well at loud volumes better than many 186's while still making a good solo and quintet horn. HOWEVER, I have another thought: buying a used F and a used larger CC for the same or less money then a new 2145 or 186 or 5xJ or even JoeSaphone).

Marty "whose 30 yr old 4/4 F and 16 yr old 5/4 CC together cost noticeably less than most new 4/4 CC's" Neilan