Posted by Tuba man on February 16, 2002 at 03:09:31:
In Reply to: All opinions on choices for first tuba posted by Tuba Novice on February 14, 2002 at 10:59:02:
I have played a million BBb Tubas....The best one of the bunch is the MW20 BY AND LARGE. If you can afford it though, the Mirafone 191 5V Gold Brass Tuba is a better choice or an Alexander BBb which is used by even professional Tubists.
I wouldn't have him switch to C Tuba yet. Just make him aware and knowledgeable of the different keyed instruments and how to use the fingerings. He can always switch Tubas later depending if he is going for a symphony gig or a band gig.
In my opinion, I like the sound of BBb Tuba for Concert Band. A good Sousa march played with a C Tuba section just sounds a little different. the bottom line is: It really doesn't matter if he plays C or BBb...but what does the player sound best on and like buying a computer, what group is the person playing tuba for? (Band, Symphony, Quintet, Brass Group, Solo, etc....)