3/4 Tubas

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Choosing Your First 3/4 Tuba

Your child has just announced that he wants to learn to play the tuba, and now you need to find an affordable, quality new or used tuba. Chances are, your child’s instructor recommends a 3/4 tuba (the smallest in tuba sizes) so your child can easily hold his or her instrument while learning the basics. eBay offers a huge selection of new and used 3/4 tubas in many materials, keys, and valve types to help you find your child’s perfect first tuba.

Why are 3/4 tubas great for beginners?

Tuba instructors often recommend that students begin with a 3/4 tuba size, which is the smallest size available. This size is useful so children can focus on learning the basics without worrying about supporting a larger 4/4 or 5/4 tuba in their lap or on the floor. Despite being smaller, 3/4 tubas have the same length of tubing and carry the same weight as their counterparts; they are just more compact. A 3/4 tuba weighs around 13 pounds on average.

How do you select tuba valves and valve types?

Tuba players can achieve different sounds and ranges with different types and numbers of valves. Here are points to consider:

  • Rotary vs. piston valves: Tubas may come with rotary valves, which transition between notes easier, or piston valves. These are more similar to those of a trumpet and used in more advanced and technical playing.
  • Number of valves: Tubas may have three to six valves, but the standard number for beginners is three or four. Tubas with four valves eliminate pitch and sound quality issues because they allow the player to play in a lower register.
  • Front-facing vs. top-facing valves: As a matter of tuba design, valve buttons may face front (forward) or top (upward). It’s generally easier for beginners to handle upward-facing valves.
Other 3/4 tuba features to consider
  • Key: The standard contrabass tuba used in most American ensembles is the Bb or BBb tuba. Most beginners start with a tuba in this key, but other keys are available for intermediate and advanced tubists. C contrabass tubas are another option, and bass tubas come in the higher keys of F and Eb.
  • Materials: Most tubas are made of brass because the material is durable, malleable, and produces the signature tuba sound. This metal is also resistant to corrosion. Tuba brass is finished with a clear lacquer or silver plating. The finish does not impact sound quality and is more of a matter of visual preference.

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