Posted by Tony E on April 21, 2003 at 11:26:35:
In Reply to: purchasing a large horn posted by just a tuba player on April 21, 2003 at 10:25:09:
Hi "just a tuba",
There's a couple of very recent threads that you can scroll down to where some of these issues are discussed.
The thread "horn advice" evolves into the whole topic of using the larger horns outside of the orchestral or band context. I think wide majority has the same instinct as you do about the 4/4 size horn. Tony Clements, who shares his thoughts there, is a well respected dealer and professional player,and you probably would do well to contact him at www.lowbrasswerks.com
The thread "best smaller CC" gets into the issues of how much consideration to give to having contra-bass and bass tubas with similar playing characteristics.
On CC vs BBb, I think the consensus of the board has been to find a horn you really love, regardless of the key. You do have a wider selection of professional horns to chose from in CC. Check out the mind blowing Miraphone 1291 BBb before you rule out BBbs.
My .02
Tony E