Best tuba?

[groth]

Older King 2341 post 1980..

[Ace]

Mirafone 188.

Ace

[tylerferris1213]

Getzen CB-50 AFTER the Stofer modifications.

[Matt Walters]

What brand and model do you consider to be the best tuba available? ONE choice, please.

The one that I already own. Leaves more money for the next vacation.

[tubazach07]

Best tuba I have ever played to this day is a Martin Medium BBb tuba. It was a attic find that was almost in perfect condition with very little valve wear. My friend realigned the valves and it played perfectly. Used it for multiple concerts before moving to Japan. Someday I will buy that tuba.

[Matt G]

TNFJ question

There’s likely more consensus on “what’s your favorite meal?”

OP: it’s worth digging through the archives of old Tubenet (the old script archive stuff) and paging back through some of the earlier posts on this “new” (circa 2004) bulletin board.

It is unfortunate that some of the stuff prior to 1998 was lost. I think there was roughly 4 years of conversation prior to that when Tubenet was hosted on the IU server when Mr. Chisham was a lowly undergrad.

Regardless, what you’ll find is that opinions on tuba brands and rearendholes have the same commonality as usual.

[Matt G]

OP: it’s worth digging through the archives of old Tubenet

Regardless, what you’ll find is that opinions on tuba brands and rearendholes have the same commonality as usual.

Times change, opinions change. And, yes, I know opinions vary greatly. Humor me - just answer the question or stay out of the discussion. Thanks.

I had no intentions of being confrontational, just kinda stating the obvious.

Even in your original post, you’re talking in sweeping generalities. If I were young and had to have one horn that would encompass all of my playing requirements while also being within the realm of affordable and reliable, it would probably be a ‘Fone 186 CC with the old (and possibly superior) 2+3 5th valve. Those were generally the best Jack-of-all-trades (and implicitly Master-of-none) horns at the time. Also, consider this was when you only had a limited number of proprietors and often times you’d buy horns sight unseen.

If the question were focused around specific ensembles or literature, the answer would change. Likewise, if this were private owner versus public school the answer would change. Key as well.

This does make me wonder with the impending flood of 6/4 tubas, what level of ensemble is going to be combating them? Is this the next tide of 20Js?

Edit to add:

And even with the current offerings, I don’t see things much differently with regards to the 186. Maybe the replacement for the MW 2145 has the issues sorted out and that would be a strong candidate? While the Chinese products have improved greatly, it’s still going to take time to ascertain some aspects of quality that have to do with longevity.

[Three Valves]

I was most impressed with the “cheapie” Hagen. The 495 BBb maybe??

If I were to unload that kinda dough, 8k+, that would probably be the one...

[BabaStrong]

Yamayork

[SousaWarrior9]

Martin mammoth

[roweenie]

What brand and model do you consider to be the best tuba available? ONE choice, please.

The one that I already own. Leaves more money for the next vacation.

[MackBrass]

I am about to give my response and its not because i will be selling them. ZO has made three york style tubas that have blown me away. The 6/4 york copy, 5/4 4 piston and 4/4 4+ 1 piston CC york style tubas are the best playing tubas i have ever played. Pitch, sound and response on these three models are what i have been looking for my whole career. When you pick up a horn and know there is nothing you cant do on it and it has the sound, intonation and response you have always imagined, then thats the best tuba for you. For me, right now I am playing on the 5/4 4 piston york style BBb and it is one of those tubas that makes me think about switching back from CC. I wouldnt switch because the CC 4/4 does the same for me.

In an ideal situation i would audition on the 4/4 CC, my pre-perantucci F and in the finals bring out the 6/4 yorkaZO. I would choose the the 4/4 ZO for the prelims for clarity and bring out the 6/4 for the finals.

My top 5 list of CC tubas for all time are as follows.

1. 4/4 CC ZO/york
2. 6/4 CC ZO/york
3. 5/4 BBb ZO/york
4. Thor
5. MRP 5/4 CC

Best F tuba

1. Pre-perantucci F

[Dan Tuba]

MW 195P

[Mark E. Chachich]

My opinion of the best tuba for me is my Alexander 163 CC (made in 1975).

Reasons:

I play it in tune.

It is a general purpose tuba.

I have used it in everything from professional brass quintets, professional orchestras (Palm Beach Symphony in the late 1970s) etc., professional bands (including the Ringling Brothers Blue Unit, local musician Baltimore and Miami), Dixieland, etc.

I use it in the the community band that I currently play (no more professional gigs for me).

I used it substituting in the Baltimore Symphony. I substituted one time, thank you David Fedderly for the call because it was the apex of my playing experience. Playing Pictures with that group was beyond belief but back then also another day at the office. I did not get to rehearse with them, the trombones went over what was going to happen in intermission and then it was show time. Point: I know this tuba and that it would do what I required, it was up to me.

I know that any failures are due to me, I have never been able to blame my Alex (a very good place to be).

It is paid for.

It has paid for itself many times over.

Also, I have played a Bach 7 for over 30 years (before that a Bach 18 for over 10 years, playing with mouthpieces is not a game that I indulge in. In my opinion knowing how to use your equipment is critical.

Is my Alexander the best tuba made, probably not even close. That said, after 44 years of playing this tuba and I know what it can do when I play it.

My opinion, there are many fine tubas out there. For most of us, get one that works for you, live with that tuba and learn how to play that tuba.

best,
Mark

[T. J. Ricer]

Unpopular opinion:
Yamaha YEB-321 Eb Tuba.

[WC8KCY]

My opinion of the best tuba for me is my Alexander 163 CC (made in 1975).

Reasons:

I play it in tune.

It is a general purpose tuba.

If I could have only one tuba, the 163 CC would be the one.

Incidentally, I played the one I was able to borrow with my Bach-copy 7. It was a superb combination--absolutely glorious tone; it did everything with incredible ease and with dead-on intonation to boot.

[tbonesullivan]

Whatever tuba you have that allows you to play your best and in tune. Tubas are quirky, and with that many braces and such, it's hard to make them completely consistent. What may work well for one person may not for another, even with two of the same exact tuba.

[Mark E. Chachich]

T.J Ricer wrote:
"Unpopular opinion:
Yamaha YEB-321 Eb Tuba."
I think that the Yamaha-321 E flat is an excellent tuba, if it works for you as the "best tuba" for what you do, you have hit the jackpot. If someone does not like it, too bad. I am talking about experienced players that know what they need (T.J. Ricer is an excellent experienced player and has the job to prove it).

I remember that Ron Bishop used a Bach 7 with his Alexander 163 CC. I was very fortunate to have taken a lesson from him (great musician and a fine gentleman).

David Bragunier was one of my principal teachers (Connie Weldon was the other) David Bragunier used an Alexander 163 CC in the National Symphony. Connie Weldon used an Alexander 164 BB flat while she was acting principal tuba in the Concertgebouw Orchestra. As I understand things she was on a Fullbright and was required to come back to the U.S.

Mark

[GC]

Unpopular opinion:
Yamaha YEB-321 Eb Tuba.

From past opinions posted on this board, this is a well-regarded instrument.

[roweenie]

Unpopular opinion:
Yamaha YEB-321 Eb Tuba.

I beg to differ - a very nice E flat tuba, IMHO.

I just don't personally care for top-action valves - in point of fact, if I could get my hands on one cheep, I'd likely convert it to side action.