F tuba suggestions - (maybe Eb?)

[michael_glenn]

Once my BBb sells, I'll be in the market for an F tuba (maybe Eb?). Do you guys have any suggestions? I've read good things about the bmb F, firebird, and the MW 45.
NOTE - I am going to be a freshman in college. I just switched to CC this summer, and haven't seriously played F tuba before. I owned the Jinbao six valve F, but quickly sold it. So needless to say, I haven't had a lot of good experience with F tubas.

[k001k47]

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=60836&p=515936&hilit=amati#p515936

Great starter F, and it's within reasonable driving distance.

[cjk]

IMHO:

Buy a used B&S F tuba, then learn how to play it.

In their many variations, they've been the industry standard F tubas for decades.

They may be marked Perantucci model, PT-10, PT-8, PT-9, Symphonie, PT-15, or PT-16. Other people will have strong preference for one variation over another. Some variations are better than others. From your perspective, they will all be more the same than they are different.

Have someone who is familiar with them play test it for you. You will likely never NEED a better F tuba, though once you've become very proficient with one, you'll be able to better evaluate other instruments yourself. You'll likely be able to sell it for what you paid for it.

[TubaZac2012]

Honestly? Wait a year to six months. You don't need two new finger combinations swimming in your head that you're just learning. I was fortunate enough that my first tuba was a CC tuba, which I learned in 9th grade. Then my freshman year of college I got my PT-18. I don't think it'd be healthy to learn everything at once. Learn CC this year, and then for the summer before your sophomore year, get an F. The only reason I got my F because at the time I was at a University without one, and I and my teacher at the time felt I was ready.

That's just what I think, ultimately it's up to you.

Btw, if you want a great F tuba, get an 18, 15, 10, or a Symphony in that order. Those are the best all around F tubas out there. The low range takes some work, but once you have it, it makes it all worth it.

Good luck,
Zac

[michael_glenn]

NOTE - I already basically have CC fingerings down 100%. And I am not saying I want to get the F before freshman year. I would however like to get an F within the next 18 months or so.

[eupher61]

Learn the upper range fingerings on the U's Besson before you worry about buying. That's a longer than usual 4th valve so it wont help much. But when the time comes (and Dr Blaha or Tucker will help you decide that) use that one. No need to rush it. It's more important to get stable and advance on a horn you're comfortable with first. F or Eb will always be there, plenty to choose from.

[bort]

+1 for "B&S and then decide"

You may just decide that no further decision is necessary.

[michael_glenn]

Where I'm going they only have studio BBb's for non-tuba-playing music ed majors. So... I can't borrow the school's. Because I'm unable to go to Akron.

[eupher61]

Where I'm going they only have studio BBb's for non-tuba-playing music ed majors. So... I can't borrow the school's. Because I'm unable to go to Akron.

Sorry. I thought you were going to Akron...where are you going? Still...don't rush the F.

[michael_glenn]

I will be at Valley Forge Christian College, but also take lessons occasionally (when I have the money) from Carol Jantsch and others.

[michael_glenn]

To clarify, I will be studying under Dr. Floyd Richmond on a weekly basis as my applied instructor. I will still be working with scales, etudes, solo work, ensemble, etc. I just figured since VFCC doesn't have a big name like Eastman, or Julliard, or big-ish name like Akron, or Indiana etc.... I would study with Ms. Jantsch when I had the chance.

[michael_glenn]

I wouldn't be seriously playing the bass tuba for another year or two(maybe three?). I just figured if I found one at a good price, and it's suggested, then to snatch it while I could. And I view TubeNet as an easy way to get lots of people's opinions without waiting for a conference.

[sweaty]

What is the cost of a decent F tuba compared to the cost of college? If you and/or your parents are willing to spend the bucks, go for it as soon as you find a good horn. The sooner you have it, the sooner you can play it. I would be skeptical of advice that goes along the lines of "I didn't get one until later, so you should wait, too".

[Dan Tuba]

There are many good choices available for both F and Eb tubas. I would suggest the new PT - 10 F tuba clone or the 981 Eb tuba clone, which are both available through Wessex, Mack Brass or TubaMM. I have used the 981 clone for 90% of the work required in my job as a tubist in the U.S. Army over the past year two years. I think its wise to to start learning the bass tuba sooner rather than later. However, there are no short cuts available in developing as a tubist. It requires a lot of hard work. You will have to practice your F or Eb tuba and your CC tuba everyday at this point in your development if you are to succeed at developing proper fundamentals on both instruments. As someone else said, F or Eb tuba is a "different" instrument. It really is a different instrument in a lot of ways, however, they both are tools necessary to function as a tubist in both solo and ensemble roles and you have to learn how to function in both of those roles with both the F or Eb and the CC tubas. I treat Eb or F and CC or BBb tubas as tools in my tool bag. The more tools you have, (if you know how to use them) the better opportunity you will have in succeeding in the role or function youare being asked to serve in as a tubist. Using the right tool for the job not only makes your life easier in that regards, but it also enables you to make the most out of the music. Good luck on your journey to becoming a great musician.

[DHMTuba]

I think it really depends on where you are in your development as a player. It may be a good idea for you to start in on F tuba now, or it may be better for you to get other things squared away first. If you have problems with your fundamentals it probably wouldn't do you a lot of good to carry those problems into F tuba.
That's a question for somebody who knows your playing. If you are going to study with Dr Richmond, I would ask him about it and I would follow his advice.
HTH