Small "Beater" Tuba Recommendation?

[Polkahero]

I'm looking for a BBb tuba that I can use for parades and gigs that have poor access where I have to carry the horn for long distances. I don't want to get my dentless Mirafone 191 dinged up on a jammed parade float. Definitely need something light and smaller (probably 3/4 size) while still having a decent sound. Not looking to spend a lot, the Wessex Travel Tuba caught my eye but that's probably more than I want to spend so I'm probably looking at the used market. Any specific brands/models I should be looking for? Thanks!

[windshieldbug]

A used working-but-beat-up Miraphone 184 would do the job nicely

[chronolith]

If you are willing to work with a CC, consider a Cerveny Piggy. Nice and light, great in tight quarters, very affordable, excellent reputation, and they sound wonderful. Many adherents out there. I used one with a saxophone strap for a long time.

A BBb analogue would be something like the Wessex Pocket Kaiser if you can find one used. http://www.wessex-tubas.com/pocket-kaiser/

[MartyNeilan]

3/4 Conn - 2J, 5J, 12J, etc

[toobagrowl]

I will add yet another different tuba to the list.

King 1140. Small 3/4 size BBb, very in-tune, plays very easy, and makes a surprisingly big sound for it's size

[emcallaway]

3/4 Conn - 2J, 5J, 12J, etc

+1

The small Conns are some of my all-time favorite horns and can often be found "worn in" very inexpensively.

[The Big Ben]

As always, gotta kick in for an Olds 099. Either 3v or 4v. Both kind of cheap, 3v cheaper. A little larger than a Yamaha 103 but not a lot.

[David Richoux]

I have both the Yamaha 103 and the Olds 99 (bought that one new in 1977, freight damaged.) I think the 103 has a much better sound for marching band work and it physically handles better. The only drawback is water trapping on humid days, but it is my "go to"tuba for a lot of casual gigs. It can really bark out when needed and the pitch is right on. The O99 is not bad, but it feels stuffy at times.
If I didn't already have one, I would jump on that eBay offering!

[scottw]

I will add yet another different tuba to the list.

King 1140. Small 3/4 size BBb, very in-tune, plays very easy, and makes a surprisingly big sound for it's size

As it happens, I was just in my local repair shop to get a dent removed from my 186. Talking with the owner, he tells me he just took a trade-in on a Yamaha BBb 201 which they are starting work on for re-sale. He also has 3- 1140's he took on an insurance claim, all of which he will be restoring and selling. If the OP is interested, please PM me and I will put him in touch.
Scottw

[Tubajug]

What about those little front-action, three-valve King student horns? I've played several Yamaha 103's and really like them, but I've never tried one of those little Kings.

[tubacharlie]

I use a 3/4 Holton (Yamaha) 102 3 valve thats was a school horn that works fine for that.

Tuba Charlie

[The Big Ben]

What about those little front-action, three-valve King student horns? I've played several Yamaha 103's and really like them, but I've never tried one of those little Kings.

King 1135. They are 1140s with a front valveset. I don't see many of them for sale used and mostly see the 1140s. Many of the Chinese 3/4 BBb 3v toploaders seem to be designed/cloned from King 1140s. You might be able to get one of those for a low price. I think the newer sellers of quality checked Chinese horns might sell them.

I had an 1140 King for awhile and it worked fine. I replaced it with a 2340 but the 1140 played fine and, as far as I know, it is still working fine for a middle school band I sold it to.

[Three Valves]

I played the Dillon/clone 1140 and it was a fun little tuba.

995.00 + shipping/tax

Yes, a front action model would be better.

[Polkahero]

Update: I ended up getting a Meinl-Weston Model 10 off of Ebay for cheap. Got the horn yesterday and while it's definitely going to need some work (heavy bell damage, new valve felts/springs/lapping(?), water key cork), it sounds and plays really well! Actually surprised how good the intonation is all around and as a bonus all the slides pull! This is a great little horn, there are some on Ebay right now so anyone looking for a small instrument for certain playing situations should check them out!