Which tuba is the right tuba for you?
If you are looking to purchase a tuba then more than any other brass instrument, you have to make sure your investment adds up to the very best value for money.
Choice
When it comes down to it there are plenty to choose from — both band new and second hand, student to professional level — and John Packer Ltd is the ideal place to find out
Student models:
If you are either after the widest possible choice or just the best student models around then look no further. These are some of the very best EEb tubas around for the UK market:
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/Catalogue/Brass/Tuba
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/Catalogue/Brass/Tuba/Eb-Tuba/Student
Besson:
Until comparatively recently it has been the Besson Sovereign that has led the way with their fine models — and these three are crackers to play on and represent great value for money:
Besson Sovereign with 17” bell:
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/catalogue/results.aspx?search=BE980
Besson Sovereign with 19” bell and the John Fletcher lead-pipe:
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/catalogue/results.aspx?search=BE981
Besson Sovereign with 19” bell with tapered lead-pipe and the traditional carriage rings:
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/catalogue/results.aspx?search=BE982
All these come in at around £6,700, although deals are often available.
As for a great second hand deal why not try this beauty:
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/Catalogue/Second-Hand-Ex-Demo/Second-hand-Instruments/Tubas/Client-Sale-Besson-982-Sovereign-EEb-Tuba-silver-plated-655161
Yamaha:
Of late we have seen the emergence of the outstanding Yamaha YEB632 Neo — a newcomer to the market, but one that benefits from a design overhaul that dramatically improves on the old Maestro model
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/catalogue/results.aspx?search=YEB632
Like the Besson models, it’s also priced around the £6,700 mark.
If you are either after the widest possible choice or just the best student models around then look no further. These are some of the very best EEb tubas around for the UK marketJohn Packer
Sterling:
However, if you want to try something different and explore new tuba avenues, why not take a look at the excellent JP377 Sterling:
Designed by the renowned Paul Riggett, this tuba can justifiably take its place amongst the market leaders. Favorably reviewed by top professionals such as Ewan Easton from the Halle Orchestra and priced at around £4,200, it represents amazing value for money and comes with a three year guarantee.
As Ewan said in his review: “Everything works on this instrument. It has a full range with a singing quality. The notes are easy to centre, it’s easy to play. The effective compensating system aids excellent tuning.”
For the full range of Sterling instruments, go to:
http://www.jpmusicalinstruments.com/JP-Sterling/
