Best Tubas for Marching Band Students

Tubas may not be the most popular instrument in the world, but they are one of the best instruments to learn and play. If you’re ready to pick out the perfect tuba for your next performance ,or would just like to learn more about these versatile instruments, you've come to the right place! Here, we‘re dedicated to bringing you the best products and services on the market. We perform detailed research, gather input from owners, and analyze consumer reviews to bring you unbiased, accurate, detailed product information. And you can trust that our recommendations are free from corporate bias. So, if you are on a mission to discover the very best tubas on offer, read on for our full guide to choosing the ideal tuba for you.

What are some tips for finding the tuba?

You want to create the right sound, not overpower it. An over-driven tuba can sound unnatural and harsh. Remember that overdriven sounds can ruin a good tone if you’re not careful. A tuba resonator can be tuned down or up a few semitones to make it sound right. The resonant frequency of your tuba will determine the sustain (how long the note remains in tune) and the bounce. The higher the frequency, the longer the sustained note will be, and vice versa. For the best tone, a tuba is best played at a fixed resonance of around 100Hz.

What are things to consider when buying tuba?

When shopping for a tuba, you will find a variety of features to consider. A good tuba will have a sturdy construction, a wide mouthpiece, and a clear window so you can see what you’re playing. Additionally, be sure that the included mouth pieces are the proper sizes. If they're not, it could cause a jamming sound. The mouth material determines the sound quality of the bass guitar. Plastic mouth materials are usually the least expensive but will not last as long. Metal mouthplates are a more durable option, as they are made of a metal alloy. There are two main types of clamp types: fixed and rotary. Fixed clamps are permanently attached to the body of your instrument, whereas rotar clamp clamp styles allow you to tighten or loosen the clamp as you see fit. Both types work well, though a fixed clamp can be easier to take apart and store.

How expensive are tubas?

Tuba prices vary based on the materials and size of the instrument, but you can generally expect to spend between $600 and $3,000. You’ll find excellent tuba instruments in all price ranges, so there‘s no reason not to grab one if you”re interested. However, if in doubt, start with a lower price point and then adjust your expectations when you begin to pay more.

Least expensive

The least expensive instruments cost around $500-$1000. They are best for beginners.

Mid-range

For $1,000 to roughly $2,000, you should be able to find a quality three-piece tuba. Most of this price range will include a tuner and case.

Expensive

For $2,000 and above, there are plenty of options in this bracket. As a general rule, the higher the price, its more likely you are paying for a better instrument body and overall tone control. This price range is best for professional tuba players.

What are the features to look for in tubas?

Tuning key

While every tuba can have a standard tuning, finding your tuning key can help you get the most out of your tuba. You can find this on most tubamatic products and is normally a four-digit number. The most common tuning is E-flat, which is the tuning for most instruments. Other common options include F, A-E-B-G-D-A.

Tuners

They come with a variety set of tuners. Most models will come standard with three, four, or five tuner knobs, and these will give you a good idea what type of sound your instruments are going to produce. Each of these tunering options will either be on/off or digital. Also, depending on your chosen instrument or brand, the tunings may vary slightly.

Size

Some tubes come in much smaller or larger sizes than others. This is down to the materials used in their construction. Models with larger dimensions are better suited to beginning musicians.

About Tuba

A tuba is a low-pitched, low octave instrument that produces a range of sounds. It is in the bass family. There are a variety of tubas available and each of them have their own style and tune. They are a massive instrument. They feature bells which drastically change the sound of the tuba.