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I'm about to attend college so I would like to start looking for a C tuba to transition to. I'm currently located in Oklahoma and my budget would be around $5k-$6k. I would prefer a silver tuba with piston valves, that would be 4/4 or 5/4. Mainly looking at brands like Eastman, Yamaha, Wessex, and Miraphone.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated, thanks!

I spent some awesome quality time last weekend chatting with Matt Walters about various aspects of the tuba world. One topic was that of those shiny objects known as silver tubas. They look fantastic but are just a pain to maintain and repair. There’s no difference in the timbre.

Anyhow…

You have a decent budget and I hope you find something! It’s also worth calling shops like Dillon Music and Baltimore Brass and let them know what you’re looking for and your budget. Not everything in inventory is always listed on the site and sometimes they have leads.

I'm considering parting with my Eastman 832. Lacquered, five piston valve 4/4 CC. One of the most in-tune tubas I've owned. I bought it new in 2022 but have a revolving stable of fun tubas and this one isn't getting played often enough. I'm in Connecticut, so we'd have to ship, but I think even with shipping we would stay within the top range of your budget. If you're interested, shoot me an email at beanhillbrass@gmail.com.

pics before I added two water keys on the 3rd and 4th valve tubing to assist in drainage:

I've got a friend's Yamaha YCB-822S. It's silver and has piston valves (plus one rotor). Nice big, warm sound. Pristine condition. I'm in Lincoln, Nebraska and would be willing be drive and meet you halfway.

I'm interested in this Yamaha, could you send me an email? damiaobruno.nascimento@gmail.com

Thanks

The above Yamaha would be a good choice!

The person sitting next to me in brass band plays one of those and sounds fantastic on it. He does do a lot of slide pulling.

I have had many students buying the Wessex. I have been very happy with them. I have 3 myself....

Another vote for the Wessex Wyvern. Great horns! Ask Chris Olka:

accidentalshark wrote: ↑Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:29 pm Any tips or advice would be appreciated, thanks!

Rather than the freak jury recommending "what I play", "what I sell", or "mine that I would like to sell is a...", I'm curious as to what you are currently using, whether you own it, and (particularly if you own it) why you are choosing to rid yourself of it.

"Transition" strongly hints at "from B-flat".

Tell us about your specific B-flat tuba, and why you feel compelled to transition from it.

I agree with Uncle Beer! I'd call it more of a 5/4 than a 4/4. Great intonation, great response and sound throughout the range.

I also agree with Bloke. There are a lot of really good BBb tubas out there. I know CC tubas are still the go to in American universities... but if you're playing the snot out of a good BBb...

I just listed a Mirafone/Miraphone 186 CC on this site. It's in great shape. It's located in the Cleveland, Ohio area and is priced at $2500 OBO
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pe1gSQAYmmgQJ9tu6