Posted by Joe S. on July 15, 2001 at 10:44:55:
In Reply to: BBb(s) with (good)/best intonation? posted by Steve Inman on July 14, 2001 at 08:46:24:
I'm going to offer a traditional answer based on experience.
The Meinl-Weston/Melton models #20 & #25, and a very close second the Miraphone #186. If you are looking for a vintage "jumbo" model, the OLD (rare) detachable bell (mostly bell-front) Martins play W-A-Y better in tune than the old short-action Conns and Holtons do.
Small-tuba-wise, the (discontinued, I think) Miraphone 184 has far better intonation than any Yamaha offers.
SOUSAPHONES:
The Conn 14K brass sousaphone (regular-big 4/4-size body, long-action valves, 24" bell, and .734" bore) EVEN THOUGH IT IS A SOUSAPHONE and EVEN THOUGH IT ONLY HAS THREE VALVES has just about the best intonation, response, and sound of ANY BBb tuba. For instance, when comparing the intonation of the 14K "standard" Conn to the (forever popular) 20K "short-action"/large Conn, the intonation of the 20K is miserable, particular 3rd partial F/E natural. (20K lovers, Please don't refute this unless you've an electronic tuner and a witness looking at the tuner FOR you.)