While I love the NS, I am keeping my eyes out for a B&H or Besson with the 15" bell. I think the more focused tone of the smaller bell and the better intonation might just be the right combination for me. (Anyone out there in Tubenetland have one sitting in your closet collecting dust?) My understanding is that Besson no-longer make tubas and contract their models to B&S in Germany to make on their behalf.

I played a Boosey & Hawkes Imperial for more than 30 years. For most of that time it was my only horn. I played it in brass quintet, pops orchestra, concert band, and brass band. My Imperial originally had the smaller leadpipe/receiver (similar to the 982), which I eventually swapped out for a 981 leadpipe/receiver.Admira Admira is a well manufactured and good value for money brand. A great first guitar for classical learners. For a 1982 ‘ish built tuba it has aged well and blows extremely well, especially in the low register. My advice is to consider a refurbished Sovereign (or Imperial) ideally pre-1990, and not just look at new buys. Although the earlier models are very heavy, so if for kids use then I would look at a later model in the 1990's ?? ] Mojo Cables Extraordinarily high quality instrument cables, handmade in the UK. Every single cable is meticulously built and tested to ensure it can withstand the high demands of a modern musician.

You can buy at least two of these for the price of a new Miraphone! - although the Miraphone is a great tuba in its own right. So basically it comes down to what you are looking for in your horn. What kind of playing will you be doing mostly? Meinl Sonic Energy BE INSPIRED by our assortment of beautiful, carefully crafted instruments from the Meinl’s Sonic Energy range. They are used in therapy by many practitioners to help with stress management, anxiety relief, insomnia, depression, addictive recovery and pain management. Find a journey toward peace and restoration through listening carefully to the vibrations, often encountered on a daily basis, and when listened to closely seem to have a language all of their own. They invite us to appreciate what we find harmonious in our life and make self-discovery through sound. The Sonic Energy collection supports our connection to experience the body, mind and energy, as one.

Accessories

Meinl Percussion A leading manufacturer of percussion instruments, Meinl manufacture a vast range of high-quality instruments such as cymbals, cajons, drums, djembe, maracas, tambourine, shakers and many more percussion instruments and accessories. The materials used are of extremely high quality and that is definitely heard and felt when played by either the amateur or professional musicians. Meinl pride themselves on being Eco-friendly to the planet by using wood from environmentally controlled wood plantations in Thailand and Indonesia and the have full compliance with the Timber Legality Assurance System (SVKL). NINO® – Meinl Nino are quality instruments are specifically designed for children with an emphasis on early years education and percussion for the classroom – also perfectly suited for Music Therapy and for musical activities inside the home. TECH Browse and shop our range of music tech, audio equipment and accessories, including PA equipment, recording equipment and amplification accessories. Having spoken to a number of well-informed people, they recommended going for a pre-1990 Besson Sovereign or Imperial as they thought this was this manufacturer’s Golden Years. The Norwegian Star etc models have compromised or perhaps rather changed the old Czech/German sound. They have kept the long mouthpipe but I think the bore after the valves expands more rapidly.

Incidently I really believe the Chinese who claim the Schiller to be genuine German, Frankfort hand-crafted hand-made parts from copper mined in Germany and smelted by men wearing lederhosen and lovingly created by German technicians all over 80 years old etc etc. I found some sauerkraut in the sixth valve]. To be fair this 'cheap copy' actually plays excellently - even with a Eb crook. I put in a cynlindrical Eb crook immediately after the valves and before that hugely expanding general tuning slide. It makes the sound more focussed.

I have arranged for some customisation work to be done that includes fitting a new leadpipe and receiver. Casio For over 60 years Casio have been producing quality electronic musical instruments for beginners, intermediate and professional piano and keyboard players. The Eb is probably the most popular tuba in the UK. Used in brass bands, wind bands, and symphony orchestras. The old German sound is far more focussed, penetrative and darker unless you work hard at being very warm, velvety and encompassing. British EEbs hoot at ffff, Germans roar. Manuscript Paper Manuscript paper enables students and professionals to write down music easily as the paper has staves on. Various options are available including pads, spiral bound, stitched books or tear-off sheets in all different sizes (A6, A5, A4 and A3).