Posted by Steve Inman on August 31, 2001 at 09:18:34:
In Reply to: Best Tuba??? posted by Ben W. on August 30, 2001 at 23:27:04:
Yup, search the archives for lots of discussion.
Summary:
There are good quality BBb tubas available today.
There are good quality CC tubas available today.
The number of different models of higher quality CC tubas on the market today outnumbers the different models of higher quality CC tubas.
Professional orchestral players in the US usually choose a CC as their primary contrabass instrument.
Professional orchestral players in Germany usually choose an F BASSTUBA as their primary instrument, and BBb for their contrabass instrument.
There are successful US professional orchestral tubists who use BBb tuba.
If you're planning on being a music major in college, your school/professor/peers may strongly urge you to own and use a CC tuba, so research the college "demands" before you buy the "wrong" tuba.
Once you do your homework and decide if BBb or CC would be the best choice for your future tuba needs, THEN go visit one of the music stores with a good stock of tubas and try a bunch. Most advice I've seen on this list suggests a good quality 4/4 size contrabass tuba (typical advice on this BBS is CC) should be your first tuba, for maximum versatility. IF you major in music in the US, you may eventually need to also purchase an F basstuba, but first things first!
Steve Inman
Kokomo, IN