Small CC (Conn 3J) vs Miraphone 186 BBb for HS student

[The Tuba Fish]

I'm a high school student who participates in band and solo festivals, etc. Would a better personal tuba for use in band and smaller stuff be a Miraphone BBb 186, or a Conn 3J? I have an opportunity to obtain one of the horns, so I'm debating whether a smallish CC is advantageous compared to a common band instrument, i.e. a 186. Btw, price is not a factor in this comparison. Thanks!

[PMeuph]

Which one does he like better? Which one does he sound better on?
________
I think either instrument would be fine. The opinions you'll get will be subjective and personal. Not knowing anything about this student (and assuming both instruments are in good working condition) I would go with the one that works best for the student. However, part of me wants to say 186 as I find the bore of the Conn a tad small, there are plenty of people who do not have that problem. I also find the angled valveset of the 2j to be not right for my hand. These issues might be non-issues or perceived advantages in someone else's eyes.

YMMV.

[bort]

Go for the 186.

[Toobist]

My tuba instructor during my time in high school was kind enough to lend me his 2J. It's a spectacular horn for a kid's first CC and very similar to the 3J. If the student is going to be switching to CC, the Conn would be my suggestion. My very first experience playing in an orchestral setting was on a little Conn like that. It's efficient and has a really nice scale (not that a Miraphone doesn't), but I warn you! The student might get a taste for American style horns for the rest of his life! Even my German-made CC is a copy of a famous American horn.

He'll know what the perfect quintet horn is as well. Love those little Conns.

[bort]

186.

+1

Fine then, 187!

[NCSUSousa]

My HS had a 186. Excellent horn. Especially good for HS band.
We could really tell the difference between that horn and the other horns (smaller Kings).
I've never seen a Conn 3J, but would lean towards the BBb 186 for HS band literature. Also makes the switch easier from Marching season (assuming BBb Souzys) to Concert Season.
I'm also a fan of the Miraphone rotary valves vs Conn pistons.

[The Tuba Fish]

Conn 3J vs Yamaha YBB-321??

[Toobist]

Conn 3J vs Yamaha YBB-321??

The Conn, hands down, IMHO.

Ditto!