YBB-103 vs. Reynolds 3/4 3v

[koteris]

Anyone played both of these?

I am in the market for a portable BBb for small group dixieland stuff. Both are possibly available to me, for similar prices.

Does anyone have an opinion on their relative merits or faults? Intonation? Sound?

I appreciate the help.

[eupher61]

buy whichever and post a link to contact for the other!

[aqualung]

I was given a 103 that was rescued from a middle school dumpster. When my kid followed in my footsteps and switched from sax to tuba, I put 150 bux into some dentwork and gave it to him. It played quite decently, and I have seen similar testimonials about the 103 on this forum.

A friend of mine has both Eb and BBb Reynolds basses in his fleet. Both have that springloaded gizmo, but both have incorrect valveslide lengths and could use a circumcision.

However, for Trad unplugged my group prefers me on a bellfront axe.

[PMeuph]

Are they both local? Can you try them out? Does the 103 come with a case?

Both tubas can play well with the right mouthpiece and the right player.

The Reynolds might have issues with slide lengths(3rd valve slide) and slide alignment (especially the first valve).

If the Yamaha comes with a case that might be your best bet. Yamaha's are usually a tad more expensive so if you get one at a good price you shouldn't have any difficulty getting rid of it later if you want to try something else.

[David Richoux]

I have only played the 103 so I cannot compare, but the only negative I have with my 103 is a few nasty water traps that fill up after an hour of playing. Rotating the whole horn is the only way to drain!

Other than that I like it a lot and have used it for odd gigs over the years... It is the same basic shape as the YB(X)-621 which I use most of the time for some indoor gigs and rehearsals.

[koteris]

Thank you for all the information! I appreciate it.