The Cost of a Tuba
The tuba is the biggest of the brass instruments and also features the lowest tone in a band.
The tuba is a really satisfying instrument to play, particularly in an ensemble where it is seen as the structure of the band.
Just how much does a brand-new or secondhand tuba cost?
Typically, the expense of a tuba will depend upon the brand name, its condition, and where it’s bought from. Many professionals note agree a great tuba will cost somewhere between $3,000 and $6,000, however, the costs can vary anywhere from just $2,000 to more than $11,000.
You might also like our articles about the cost of a piano, an acoustic guitar, or piano lessons.
Check out our table below to see what popular brand names might cost:
| Brand | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Allora | $2,800 to $4,500 |
| Barrington | $1,200 to $1,900 |
| Besson | $2,000 to $3,500 |
| Conn | $5,000 to $7,000 |
| Gerveny | $3,500 to $5,500 |
| Jupiter | $2,500 to $7,000 |
| Kanstul | $6,000 to $10,000 |
| Miraphone | $7,000 to $12,000 |
| Yamaha | $3,200 to $8,000 |
| Wessex | $1,200 to $4,200 |
The table shown below displays the price range for the most popular kinds of tubas on the market. Tubas come in 4 typical keys: F, Eb, CC, and BBb. The BBb is the most typical tuba and can handle practically any situation, while a CC is meant for those who wish to play in a symphony orchestra.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| BBb (double B-flat) | $1,200 to $9,000 |
| CC | $5,000 to $20,000+ |
| Eb (E-flat) | $9,200 to $13,000 |
| F | $5,000 to $16,000 |
At Woodwind Brasswind, for instance, the very best sellers vary in price from just $3,700 to more than $9,000.
This eBay guide notes that it’s difficult to find an exact quote, however, in general, a typical tuba in EEb or BBb ought to cost about $3,000 to $4,000. A professional EEb or BBb for the typical student can cost upwards of $6,000. Serious students need to be prepared to spend a minimum of $6,000 to $12,000.
Tuba summary
Sizes will differ, however, the most common sizes will be the 4/4, 3/4, 5/4, and 6/4. A 4/4 is seen as a full-sized tuba due to its particular crucial, is the most commonly acquired, while a 3/4 size, which is developed to accommodate the smaller players. The 5/4, called the Kaiser tuba, and the 6/4, are made to be much larger than the basic sized one. The typical full-sized orchestral tuba will weigh 25 to 35 pounds.
When it comes to the valves, there are 2 typical types: the piston and rotary, with each having its own benefits and downsides. The rotaries work from the front of the horn, whereas the pistons, either front, front with an angle, or a top action, will have their own setup. A piston valve with an angled front action will point inward between the front and the right side of the horn, for instance. Pistons, in general, will be simpler in mechanics, however, they will have to be oiled more often to keep them in their best shape. Rotary valves, on the other hand, are more complex mechanically and will need less oil, seeing that they are enclosed and run cleaner for a longer amount of time.
Tubas require a minimum of 3 valves to play all notes of the scale, according to one eBay guide, and will require a minimum of 4 valves to play a lower note in tune.
What are the additional expenses?
An extra mouthpiece can cost $10 to $75, depending upon the brand name and the materials it’s made from. For instance, the best-ranked seller, a glory basic mouthpiece, on Amazon.com retails for $18.
While optional, lessons might be needed to find out how to utilize the instrument. Typical lessons will start at $45 per hour and increase from there.
How can you save some money?
If you know what you’re trying to find, think about purchasing a somewhat utilized tuba on eBay for as much as 70 percent off the retail value. A good second-hand horn must have all of its pieces, a tuning slide that works easily, and valves that work efficiently also. Even if there’s visible damage, the instrument can still play correctly as long as the mouthpiece can insert properly, and, once again, the tuning slides move naturally. In general, the damage needs to be less than an inch in size.
Just like with any seller, you should always search for coupon/promotion codes or wait for a sale before purchasing online or even in your area.
A tuba can be rather a financial investment, and if you’re not committed right now, think about renting one for less than $50 to $100 each month.
- Shervin Mirhashemi’s Net Worth - June 5, 2023
- How Much Does it Cost to Convert to Judaism? - June 5, 2023
- How Much Does a CTS Certification Cost? - June 5, 2023
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!