Best all around tuba

[Alex C]

I think the best option for you would be a 4/4 CC. The best 4/4 CC i've ever played is the wn-15.

I second that!

The "York copy" Perantucci is good too.
The 1291/2 will also fit the category.
Who can argue with the 981/2/3 as a possibility?
No BAT fits your description. I love a fine York copy but you have to stretch the listener's imagination to call it versitle.

[iiipopes]

And if I were truly in the market for a 4/4 CC, the WN15/Besson 995 would be on my short list.

[Nick Pierce]

The various versions of the PT-6 seem to be rather popular right now, possibly as popular as the Thor. Anyone have better information on it then that?

[Wyvern]

The various versions of the PT-6 seem to be rather popular right now, possibly as popular as the Thor. Anyone have better information on it then that?

The PT-6 is a good tuba, but being a large 5/4 surely too big to be considered an all around tuba?

[THE TUBA]

It depends on your definition of all-around. I would guess that most people that own a "mini-BAT" like the PT-6 or THOR also have access to another tuba (or are planing to have access to another tuba) in their axe closet. I feel like I can use my Thor for most situations, but I know I can pull out the F if I need to downsize. If I could only have one tuba, I would most likely get something a little smaller.

.02

[KevinBock]

I have to plead the case for the Besson 983. It is a larger bell and bore Eb tuba. I have used it in big settings for orchestra, wind band, solo tunes, brass band, chamber group, and jazz. And I was also luck enough to track one down for $5500. As an all around horn, I don't think you can find many really great C's for a price like that unless it is used. While the miraphones are indeed versatile horns, I think they are "timbre-ally" challenged when it comes to high and graceful playing. I guess one other question would be, what type of music takes up more of your "all around tuba" playing time? Is it wind band and orchestra above solo and quintet? I think that is where the meat of the decision is, more large ensemble means look for a nimble C tuba, more quintet and solo stuff means a beefy Bass Tuba.

[iiipopes]

...I think [Miraphones] are "timbre-ally" challenged when it comes to high and graceful playing.

You haven't heard a 186 with a PT34 mouthpiece. That will change your mind. Mine is due in from Jeff Rideout any day now. He let me have the one out of the display case.

[Steve Inman]

Every Miraphone 1292 I've played (a few) seemed effortless in the upper register (nimble, agile), had a nice core to the sound, and seemed to be a nice blend of "German" and "American" tonal qualities. That one would be at the top of my "one tuba" list. A Conn 52J would be up there also (my 56J is a bit broad sounding to my tastes for quintet). It's hard to go wrong with a Miraphone 188 or 186 either. An excellent, but slightly smaller choice is the MW 2145. If you can find the 3/4 Rudy Meinl CC, that's also a very good option. In the bass tuba category, I'd have to suggest a Besson 981 (Fletcher model), as the larger bell helps "boost" this Eb into the "all around" capable category, IMO.

I would vote for a 4/4-ish CC over a big Eb.

Cheers,

[Wyvern]

I'd have to suggest a Besson 981 (Fletcher model), as the larger bell helps "boost" this Eb into the "all around" capable category, IMO.

Most British players would entirely agree with you. I only parted with my 981 because the ergonomics of top valves were giving me shoulder pains.

I would vote for a 4/4-ish CC over a big Eb.

Depends on the nature of the majority of the playing, but in my experience, once used to playing a CC, an Eb will never have quite that open low register

[bort]

My M-W 5450 "Thor" tuba...

Where have I been? I did not know you had a Thor now. When I tried one, I loved the way it played...

...but it was very uncomfortable for me to hold my right hand at that angle (though admittedly still better than on a Willson 3050).

[ArnoldGottlieb]

As the price of this model is thousands less than several other models that are clearly its inferior, even a complete rebuild of the valveset (though damned inconvenient) would still define this model as a bargain.

But on the other side, it's also MORE expensive than several better horns.



I also predict that a horn coming out in the next year-ish will be even better than any other tuba listed here.

I don't know Bob, lot's of horns promise things......
The thor I played was great except the valve section needed something but I'm not sure what. I've played about 200 or so gigs this year on my PT20 which I would vote for as best all around tuba, but if I had a tweaked Thor I think I'd be finished tuba shopping. It's the first horn that's made me rethink my choice.
Peace.
Arnold

[highsierra]

I played a Besson 981 (large Eb) for about 15 years of my orchestra career. I loved that tuba for it's sound and response. I had to work hard to produce the volume needed below the sfaff that a lot of the literature required. It was a stellar quintet tuba and worked well when played in a section. I moved to a 4/4 C tuba about five years ago and I've got to say that it was a great move. I can use my 4/4 Rudy (4345 rotary) for everything as it is very nimble and has great response in all ranges. It is my opinion that a 4/4 C tuba would be a superb all around instrument when you are fluid in all registers. I pull out my F tuba when that tool is needed or the literature calls for it. It is a largish F tuba and it is great for most literature but it doesn't put out like a C tuba in the low register. I have tooted on many large F and Eb tubas but in my opinion, that all come up short in the low end for a lot of the literature I find on my stand. So, we are back to the same question. What is the best all around tuba? My vote if for the 4/4 C tuba. I am blessed to have a wonderful C and great F tuba and it is nice to have a choice when looking over the upcoming literature. If I had to make a coice and have one tuba it would be without question, my 4/4 Rudy!

There are a lot of great tubas for sale now as the new wave of designer instruments has hit the market. I would take a look at that 4/4 Nirschl in the for sale section!!

FWIW

Russ Dickman

[eupher61]

a GOOD Piggy or Rudy 3/4.

[Mwtuba32]

MW 2145, Cerveny Piggy,PT-4 or 20, miraphone 188, miraphone 186 Kalison ds...in that order. Just my opinion based on what I have played. The piggy and the pt-4 sound most like large bass tubas with contrabass tuba low registers in my opinion. It just comes down to which one fits you

[The Jackson]

I played on a Yamaha YCB-661 for about 3 months, and that one was an awesome tuba and a great all-around horn. It fit very well in a quintet, wind ensemble and a medium-sized orchestra and also was very nice for solo playing.

I now play on its smaller cousin the 621. Believe it or not, this horn is very versatile and supports the orchestra (with a world-class trombone and horn section).

[jonesbrass]

Whoops! I didn't notice this before.

If you're playing in the Navy, then you already have a tuba/s to use there and it is fairly likely you won't be doing a LOT of outside playing.

I say a big Eb or F like the Willsons; possibly a Besson. Think about what most of your civilan playing is going to be? Large or small groups (I don't know, I'm actually asking? )?
Also, in my limited experience, your're more likely not to have a Navy bass tuba than to NOT have a Navy contrabass. And playing in a quintet is a pretty good scenario for using your own bass tuba, and some would say they only time you might want to play your own horn while in uniform.


Good luck!

I'm inclined to agree with Bob on this one. You'll have a good navy-issued contrabass, why not just get a top-notch bass tuba for personal use? I know a few army bandsmen whov'e done the same thing.
I also agree with his Willson or Besson recommendation, too. Can't go wrong with either of those.

[iiipopes]

I can now say, after the quintet gig earlier this month, that my 186 is an all round horn: solo, concert band, gig band, quintet, outdoors, indoors, etc. And if I ever get an opportunity to play in a small to mid orchestra, I'm sure it will do well there also.