Convertible vs Traditional Tuba

[iambubbleman]

I'm currently looking into the purchase of my very first tuba, something I've been awaiting for quite some time now. I'm currently a high school student as well as an active member of the marching band. In the marching band we are provided with Sousaphones.

So In my search I have found the following tubas that I'm deciding between.

Tuba 1
http://www.wwbw.com/Yamaha-YBB-201MWC-S ... sku=465782" target="_blank" target="_blank



Tuba 2
http://www.wwbw.com/Yamaha-YBB-321-Seri ... rc=ybb+321" target="_blank" target="_blank



Now Both of these tubas have pros and cons, Tuba 1 serves as both a Contra (Marching Tuba) and a Concert tuba, but only has 3 valves, Though many local colleges use Contras, and there are several Pep bands in the area that require Contras; and Tuba 2 has 4 valves (I've played this same model horn for about a year now) but can only be used as a Concert horn; though I'd be able to Breeze through the Pedal Ranges.


I'm hoping for some input, and what you think is the best choice. Thank You!

[Dan Schultz]

Go for the concert tuba. If the school provides a sousaphone... you have no use for a convertible horn.

Further... If you continue to play after high school, this WON'T be the last tuba you buy. Instead of going for bright and shiny, buy a good used one so you can get at least most of your money back when you upgrade. Also... the name 'Yamaha' has a lot of respect but also comes with a high price. There are other brands you might consider. Eastman is one that comes to mind.

[iambubbleman]

Go for the concert tuba. If the school provides a sousaphone... you have no use for a convertible horn.

Further... If you continue to play after high school, this WON'T be the last tuba you buy. Instead of going for bright and shiny, buy a good used one so you can get at least most of your money back when you upgrade. Also... the name 'Yamaha' has a lot of respect but also comes with a high price. There are other brands you might consider. Eastman is one that comes to mind.

Hi there, and thank you very much for your Post!

For the pep bands in this area a Contra is required, and because most of these ensembles are local and have little to no funding, to play in one you must rent or borrow a contra.

Though taking your suggestion and browsing some Used tubas I've found some Concert horns and Contras in great condition, and when you add their prices together it comes out about 800 below the cost of the New Concert tuba I was looking at. Would you, or anyone out there, suggest buying both a concert tuba and contra, used?

Thanks!

[Dan Schultz]

.... Would you, or anyone out there, suggest buying both a concert tuba and contra, used?

Thanks!

Sorry... I overlooked that you mentioned that you needed a contra, too.

But... yes. I think buying two used horns is a great option over buying a new convertible. On the surface, convertible horns appear attractive to schools that don't think they can afford both. But... in reality, they end up destroying both their marching and concert tools in one shot.

[eupher61]

I'm really puzzled by the need for a "contra". Frankly, it's simply not worth the expense of getting one, much less that plus a concert horn.

Maybe I am confused by the concept of a "pep band" in your area. If it's a school function, use the souzie that you'd be provided for marching. If it's a private group of
some kind, tell 'em to bugger off if they tell you you MUST have a contra.

Sillliness. Not that you asked for that sort of suggestion. I agree with bloke's suggestions.

[Biggs]

No one should have to play a convertible tuba.

[TubadudeCA]

I'm really puzzled by the need for a "contra". Frankly, it's simply not worth the expense of getting one, much less that plus a concert horn.

Maybe I am confused by the concept of a "pep band" in your area. If it's a school function, use the souzie that you'd be provided for marching. If it's a private group of
some kind, tell 'em to bugger off if they tell you you MUST have a contra.

Sillliness. Not that you asked for that sort of suggestion. I agree with bloke's suggestions.

My thoughts exactly. If it's just a pep band, why would it matter would marching Bass you used? Outside of Drum and Bugle Corps, I don't see very many reasons you would ever use one. (except maybe Tuba Xmas). I Third Bloke's suggestion.

[Dan Schultz]

I wonder if this thread will make it to 8000 hits.

Might as well add one more!

[iambubbleman]

May I ask for thoughts about:

http://www.wwbw.com/Kanstul-900-4B-Seri ... 4+BBb+tuba" target="_blank

[eupher61]

now you're talking sense. But, again, look at bloke's suggestion.

[TMurphy]

I would consider this:

http://www.dillonmusic.com/p-17693-king ... b-bbb.aspx" target="_blank

Or this:

http://www.dillonmusic.com/p-17453-mira ... 86-4v.aspx" target="_blank

or, if you have a little bit more money, this:

http://www.dillonmusic.com/p-17151-mira ... 91-4v.aspx" target="_blank

This is what I found in about 2 minutes worth of looking at the Dillon Music used instruments page. There are plenty more similar horns, at similar prices, available from other vendors, if you look.

Don't waste your time and money on convertibles or contras.

[iambubbleman]

Thanks for all your suggestions, Not going to rush an investment like this. I found quite a cheap contra that's being sold by a local Marching Band, The asking price is only 450 and it's almost the same model as the 2,000 dollar one mentioned before. Thoughts?

[jwjeffrey]

May I ask for thoughts about:

http://www.wwbw.com/Kanstul-900-4B-Seri ... 4+BBb+tuba" target="_blank" target="_blank

I thought this might help you out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBjpeUjP ... re=related" target="_blank

[Donn]

I thought this might help you out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBjpeUjP2SA

... so as you can see, by the sound that this produces, this will produce a lot more sound than, like, a sousaphone ...

(Verdi hated sousaphones, by the way.)

[jwjeffrey]

I thought this might help you out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBjpeUjP2SA

... so as you can see, by the sound that this produces, this will produce a lot more sound than, like, a sousaphone ...

And yet he doesn't play a sousaphone to show that the Kanstul produces more sound...

So if Shockwave's test meant anything, the Jumbo sousaphone is even louder than a normal sousaphone.

This must mean that a contra is the loudest instrument ... ... as long as it's pointed directly at the recording device.

Possibly,but you have to take in account you have a Trumpet player trying to demostrate a Tuba.He should have gotten a Tuba Player to demonstrate that horn.

[saxophyte]

YAMAHA MARCHING TUBA $599.99
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 1113852593" target="_blank" target="_blank