Posted by Lew on February 16, 2001 at 15:45:27:
In Reply to: Sousas vs. Conns posted by Graham K. on February 16, 2001 at 11:40:10:
This is more a matter of personal preference, but I have never been comfortable marching with a convertable tuba. It feels unbalanced and awkward to me. A sousaphone will also have a larger bell than any convertable tuba, which will provide a broader sound. It is easier to over-blow a sousaphone, which is too common among High School (and College) players. As long as you are talking about brass and not fiberglass, I find the sound from a good sousaphone to be every bit as good, if not better, than most convertable tubas.
New good quality sousaphones, like the King 2350, will cost more than most convertables, so that is one negative. Silver plate will also cost more than brass lacquer, and I believe that any difference in sound is illusory, but I do think that a line of silver sousaphones looks great.