Reviewing the Finest Tubas for Marching Band Students

Looks like a delicate bazooka, delivers a full, warm sound, yet still is surprisingly easy to pick up and hold. The tuba is a very unique and huge brass instrument. Since it provides a base for other orchestra instruments to build up onn, there’s a need for it to sound rich, deep, and versatile. 

This section will help you do just that and more. Let’s get started.

History of Tubas

The word ‘tuba’ in Latin means trumpet. It’s a Prussian/Germanic invention that dates back to 1835 when the original bass tuba was invented and patented. Today, it is the largest of the brass instruments and one with the lowest pitch. 

Tubas are unique in their design, made to sound using tubes and valves. The valves can either be piston or rotary, and sometimes both. 

The piston valves require regular oiling but are easy to disassemble. The rotary valves, on the other hand, require less maintenance but are difficult to disassemble. 

And if you didn’t know it already - tubas can include anywhere between three-to-six valves and the 3-valve tuba is mostly reserved for amateurs or marching band players. 

Choosing the Right Tuba

While buying an instrument online is no less than a gamble (if you haven’t played it before or you’re clueless about it), there still are a few things you can consider to ensure the best buy for yourself. Let’s start with the most significant ones:

Type

There are two major types of tubas; bass tubas and contrabass. The other two types are categorized into one of these two main types. The E flat and F tubas are regarded as bass tubas and B flat and C tubas are known as are classified as contrabass tubas. Most of the tubas we’ve considered are contrabass. 

Size

The size of a tuba is determined by its bore and this varies from one manufacturer to another. The common sizes are 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and even 6/4. A small-sized tuba will make it easier for the player to handle the instrument - it’ll be ideal for the younger players.

However, since it’s such a hefty investment, it isn’t really ideal to go for the small size. It’s best to buy a 4/4 in most cases since players of every age can handle that size.

Price

Tubas come at various prices - they start around $1000 and go as high as $20,000. But here’s a bitter fact; the tuba of the highest price is not necessarily the best in quality. Therefore, the ideal behavior here would be to determine your budget and then go for a decent tuba within that price range. If you’re looking for a beginner piece, you may be able to get your hands on one within $1000 or in the $1000-$2000 range. 

If you’re looking for mid-level to professional-level instruments, you can expect to pay around $5000. 

Valves

Most beginners appreciate a tuba with three-valves. However, as you move up on the skill ladder, you can find them playing four-valve and five-valve tubas. A four-valve tuba is mostly preferred for serious beginner performers and five-valve/six-valve tubas are reserved for highly-skilled, advanced tuba players.

Moreover, the valves are of two types; piston and rotary. The latter ones are mostly only found on mid-to-high priced tubas. The piston valves work the same way as a trumpet does (by moving up and down).

Material and finish

When it comes to materials, the student tubas are usually yellow brass or the darker-sounding gold brass. Rose brass is another option for tuba players looking for a cozier tone. 

There also are plastic tubas out there and while they’re not extraordinary in functionality, they’re still preferred because of their considerably low price. The best part about plastic tubas? The chances of you denting them are non-existent.

Lastly, there’s nickel silver tuba that’s excellent but super pricey.

Finish-wise, you can expect a silver/gold lacquered-finish for a student model. For more advanced instruments and high-end models, you will have silver plating. The lacquered-finish accounts for adding darkness to lowest sounds and the latter makes a tuba sound warm. 

What is Transposing and Why is It Important?

In music theory, not all music instruments are written the way they sound. Ever seen one of the guys on YouTube strike a chord and when you followed them, the sound wasn’t just the same? That’s because both those instruments share different lowest scales. For instance, when a flute player sees a C and plays it, it will sound like a C. But when another person sees the C and plays it on its Bb clarinet, it will actually sound like a B flat (Bb), which is one step lower. So if the Bb clarinet player wants to play a C, they’ll have to play a D. This process is called transposing.

If you’re planning to play as a part of a marching band, start jamming with your buddies, or thinking about practicing after a backing track, this is something you need to be mindful of.

Maintenance Tips for Tubas

Getting the ideal sound out of your instrument and its longer life comes hand in hand with properly taking care of it. The following tips will help:

• You must always store the tuba in its case when it's not in use. During transportation, it must be in a case that can protect it from shocks and bumpy roads.
• You will have to clean the mouthpiece of your tuba regularly - it’s the home to all kinds of bacteria if you don’t do so. We suggest brushing it with warm water and soap once a week to help keep the odor away.
• Tubas are large and heavy, you must hold it properly and keep it away from accidental impacts and drops at all costs so it is guarded against dents.
• Get a polishing cloth and wipe it down regularly. If the word ‘regular’ sounds like a hassle, do it twice or thrice every week at least.
• The slides and valves of the tuba must be removed, cleaned, and lubricated for them to properly function. 
• Dust, weather elements, rust, and whatnot - every year, there’s a need to get your instrument serviced so it looks all bonny and keeps sounding sharp. Your tuba will appreciate some deep cleaning and a warm bath after every couple of months.
• After every playing session, you need to open your tuba’s water key and empty it. You need to keep it dry and clean for the instrument’s longevity.
• Make sure to keep the valves in the same order you took them out so everything is all smooth and fluid when you set everything back.