Posted by Me on January 27, 2002 at 16:13:30:
In Reply to: TUBA KEYS posted by JAMES on January 26, 2002 at 22:52:45:
I just leave mine unlocked and then I don't have to worry about the keys. :)
Seriously, in case this wasn't a goof, if you played an "old old Besson" it was most likely either in Eb or BBb. What you buy depends on what you are comfortable with playing and what kind of group you plan to play with. For a large concert band a BBb tuba is most often used. For smaller ensembles an Eb or F is usually preferred because of the "lighter" sound. For orchestral playing most professionals use a CC. But there are exceptions to every one of these rules of thumb. Your best bet is to go to a music store with a knowledgeable brass staff and ask them to help you. If you go in and they have no tubas in stock, show you a catalog, and tell you they can order one for you when you leave a large deposit run away. You could start by looking at the shops link on this page and calling one of those stores.