Chinese Tubas

[Bnich93]

If you want to go to college for music, then ask college professors what their advice is regarding buying a tuba. I have never personally seen a studio professor recommend a BBb tuba, usually only CC. During my undergrad, which was a very high quality competitive program, a student coming in with a Chinese horn would generally get rid of it and buy a German horn within their first year. I'm not saying that there are not any genuinely good Chinese tubas out there, but ordering a brand new mack brass horn from china sounds like a fast track to receiving a ruined tuba. If you intend to take tuba playing seriously as a career choice, then consider a high quality used horn. I know many people that have bought old Miraphone 186s for at or less than $3,000. I also bought my 181 F tuba for not too much over that price. If your high school lends tubas, then keep playing on those horns until your budget raises up to that of a quality horn.

[NCSUSousa]

If you keep your eyes open and save your money... you can buy a good used name brand tuba.

I currently have three refurbished B & S/VMI BBb rotary tubas here within your budget that will run circles around the Chinese horns you mentioned.

THIS! The VMI BBb is a great tuba, far better than any Chinese made tuba I've ever put my hands on.
I'm glad I have my tuba, but if I could trade right now for one of those, I would.