This is a comprehensive Tuba & Sousaphone buying guide. Bethel Music Center does not carry all of the musical instruments that are manufactured in the universe… and does NOT want to! We act as a filter for our customers and we only carry the instruments that, in our professional opinion, meet or exceed the needs of our customers. Due to manufacturer rules and regulations, we do not list many of our instruments on our online store because we are either not authorized to, or that we are forced to sell the item at a MUCH higher cost to our customers than we would prefer. Please call the store to find out how we can offer you HUGE SAVINGS!

Tubas

Student Tubas

Tubas can be very large, and heavy instruments. Student tubas are made in smaller sizes for greater ease of playing for younger players. Instruments in ¾ size and full (4/4) sizes are available as beginner tubas. Student tubas are constructed out of brass, generally have a lacquered finish, and have three piston valves. These entry- level tubas can have either front action valves or top action valves. These tubas are all referred to as double B-flat (BBb) tubas, referring to their key of B-flat.

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Intermediate and Professional Tubas:

Intermediate tubas and professional tubas have subtle differences between them. These tubas will have at least four valves, and can even have five valves. Players can choose between intermediate tubas and professional tubas with piston-style valves or rotary style valves. Rotor valves tend to play with less resistance than piston valves, while piston valves tend to be faster and allow greater ease in fast passages. These tubas can come in ¾, 4/4, 5/4, and 6/4 sizes. The performer will choose the size and valve style of their tuba based on their individual performance needs. For most applications a 4/4 tuba is recommended. Intermediate and professional tubas have a greater variety of bell materials and finishes than student tubas. Many professional tubas have silver plated bells, which is a thinner, lighter finish than an epoxy lacquer, making the tuba more resonant.

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C, Eb and F Tubas

Tubas can be pitched in various keys, similar to trumpets, horns, and many woodwinds. Most professional tuba players use C tubas for large ensemble work and F tubas for small ensemble and solo work. E-flat tubas are more common in Europe today, however are still found in small ensembles and Broadway pits in the USA. C tubas are the standard orchestral tubas in United States orchestras. C tubas offer the greatest versatility in playing in various keys.

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Sousaphones

Fiberglass Sousaphones

The sousaphone is a marching variant on the tuba that wraps around the individual’s body and rests on the left shoulder, and right hip. To save on weight and cost, sousaphones are often made from fiberglass. Fiberglass sousaphones are the most common type of sousaphone, used in nearly every type of marching band using sousaphones. Due to the resonant qualities of fiberglass sousaphones, they offer a tone that is thinner, and less warm than their brass sousaphone counterparts. Many high schools prefer fiberglass sousaphones for younger, inexperienced players due to their weight and cost.

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Hybrid Sousaphone

The hybrid sousaphone is an instrument with a fiberglass body and a brass bell. The hybrid sousaphone is meant for those who need an affordable instrument, without sacrificing a lot of tone. The fiberglass body on the hybrid sousaphone can be silver-plated to enhance tone and appearance. The brass bell adds more weight to the instrument, offering up a slightly warmer tone than fiberglass sousaphones.

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Brass Sousaphones

A brass sousaphone is often recommended for a player above the high school level, and performing with a professional, or competing marching band. A brass sousaphone is considerably heavier than its fiberglass sousaphone counterpart, and also produces a much richer and darker tone. Silver plating can be added to the brass sousaphone to brighten its tonal color. Due to its sturdier construction and materials, the brass sousaphone is easier to keep in tune and control intonation.

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Convertible Tubas & Marching Tubas

A marching tuba looks very much like a concert tuba, however, rests on the shoulder of the player, instead of on the leg or in the lap. Marching tubas are made from brass to provide for a genuine tuba sound that often is lacking from sousaphones. Marching tubas are constructed much like student tubas to ensure affordability, and quality of note production. A marching tuba can be silver plated to brighten the sound and enhance projection. Convertible tubas are almost identical to marching tubas. A convertible tuba has an interchangeable lead pipe that allows the player to perform standing in a marching band, or play upright in a wind ensemble. Convertible tubas are constructed with materials comparable to student tubas to ensure affordability and quality sound.

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