MUSI 3132 – Brass Methods II – Tuba-Euphonium Section

Dr. J.D. Salas, Associate Professor of Music – Tuba/Euphonium

Equipment

“You Get What You Pay For”. G. Bell

Purchasing new instruments can be one of the most daunting tasks for a young band
director. Don’t be afraid to email me and ask for any advice before spending the
money.

Tubas come in the following keys:

BBb - Most commonly used in U.S. secondary education (beginner thru high school)
CC - Professional Orchestras, Ensembles, Collegiate studies
Eb - British Orchestras, Brass Bands, Solo Literature
F - Replacement for Ophicleide and Serpent parts in Orchestra, Solo Literature
G - Older DCI groups (most have transitioned to Bb Contra’s)

Tubas come in the following sizes:

3/4 - 4/4 - 5/4 - 6/4

Tubas come in the following valve combinations:

3-valve (front facing)

3-valve (top facing)
4-valve (front facing)
4-valve (top facing)
4-valve (3-top/1-side)
5-valve (4-front/1-thumb trigger)
5-valve (4-front/1-side valves)
6-valve (4-front/2-side valves)
TUBAS

Beginner Models: (6th through 8th Grade)

Yamaha – YBB 105WC – List Price: $3,839.99 (with case)
King – 1135W – List Price: $5,085.00
Jupiter – JTU1010 – List Price: $4,829.00 (with case)

Intermediate Models: (8th through 12th Grade)

Yamaha – YBB 321WC – List Price: $7,367.99 (with case)
Miraphone – 186-4U – List Price: $8,649.00 (with case)
King – 2143W – List Price: $8,609.00

Professional Models:
Miraphone 1291- Bb – 5-valve – List Price: $12,689 (no case)
B&S – GR51 – List Price: $8,503.00 (no case)
B&S – 3301 – List Price: $13,002.00 (no case)

Cheaper Alternatives:
Wessex – Luzern BBb – 5-valve - $3,795 (with case)
St. Petersburg – 202 – List Price: $3,895 (no case)
Mack Brass – TU210 – List Price: $1995 (with case)

Euphoniums are most commonly found in Bb. The variants include:

Bell Front
Bell Up
Bell Up in an Oval Shape

Large Shank Mouthpiece Leadpipe

European/Medium Shank Mouthpiece Leadpipe

Euphonium Valve Combinations:

3-Valve (top)
3-Valve (front)
4-Valve (top)
4-Valve (3-top/1-side)
EUPHONIUMS:

Beginner Models: (6th through 8th Grade) (Non-Compensating)

Yamaha – YEP321 – List Price: $2,439.99
Besson – BE1065 – List Price: $2,935.00
King – 2280 – List Price: $2776.00

Intermediate Models: (8th through 12th Grade) (Compensating)

Yamaha – YEP642 – List Price: $6,369.00
Besson Sovereign – BE968 – List Price: $8,021.00

Professional Models: (Compensating)

Yamaha – YEP842 – List Price: $8,747.99
Besson Prestige – BE2052 – List Price: $8,938.00
Wilson - 2950S – List Price: $8,669.00
Wilson – 2900S – List Price: $8669.00 (European Shank)

Cheaper Alternatives:
Wessex – EP100 “Dolce” - $1,499.00
Mack Brass – EU1150S - $1195.00

Mouthpieces

Tuba:
Conn Helleburg
Conn Helleburg 7b (students with thinner lipset)
Bach 18
Perantucci – PT48

Euphonium:
Schilke 51D
Bach 6 ½ AL
Bach 12