Lewisville, TX GovDeals: YBB-641

[arpthark]

https://www.govdeals.com/asset/3566/2750

[bloke]

ya-know...That's one of the models of tubas that (for several decades) completely steered clear of, as far as buying used (at any price).

If someone carried one directly to me - and there was already some known local yamabot band director jonesin' for a rotary tuba - I might possibly (??) buy one for $XXX.

but likely NOT, because of the quantity of damage those things suffer, and they would be bringing it (guess who?) ME to re-fix it.

Also, schools ALWAYS insist on hard cases, and those brown-plastic cases (used) are never redeemable (always busted, squishy, etc.)

[DonO.]

Middle school kids are playing these?

At the risk of repeating myself, who o why do band directors keep on buying these not so great horns when, for the same or less money, they can buy Miraphone 186s?

[catgrowlB]

I think it's ridiculous that frigging middle schools are buying full size, 4v tubas. 4/4 4v tubas are better for high school and college and beyond. Kids are just learning to play in middle school. Back when I was in middle school, we had an old beat up YBB 102 (long discontinued model) and a King 1140. Both models are 3v 3/4 BBb tubas perfect for young kids to start out on in middle school.
I will say, we also had an old Continental Colonial (Pan American / Conn 14k stencil) sousa, and an old Elkhart-era Conn 20k sousa to play.

As for full sized, 4-valve, rotary BBb tubas go, I personally prefer the good old VMI 103 / B&S PT-1 BBb, and MW25 BBb tubas.

I've played a couple YBB-641 tubas and like them. I don't get the hate they get on here. Only the top space G is sharp, and that can be easily remedied. Any other pitch quibble is minor, otherwise pretty well in tune. Sound was deep and clear, response was good and solid.

Miraphone 186 = good, but too generic for my tastes. The older ones play/sound sweeter. Kinda overrated (on here) to be honest...

[LeMark]

Middle school kids are playing these?

At the risk of repeating myself, who o why do band directors keep on buying these not so great horns when, for the same or less money, they can buy Miraphone 186s?

I can't stand them because of the terrible valve action and the upper range intonation, but yes, most middle schools use these, the miraphones, the kings or the eastman. More are going to eastman lately, for both the 4/4 tuba or a 4 valve 3/4

I will say this, for a shorter player (middle school) the yamaha fits the middle school player better than the miraphone. the leadpipe is considerably shorter

It's frustrating when I have a good middle school player that gets used to playing the alternate fingerings on a yamaha for years, and then when they finally get a miraphone, it's hard to get them to use the real fingerings.