I played a Boosey & Hawkes Imperial for more than 30 years. For most of that time it was my only horn. I played it in brass quintet, pops orchestra, concert band, and brass band. My Imperial originally had the smaller leadpipe/receiver (similar to the 982), which I eventually swapped out for a 981 leadpipe/receiver.

They are very close. Both have a bit of German f tube gene in them making them sounding more “present” at the cost of blending less. So basically it comes down to what you are looking for in your horn. What kind of playing will you be doing mostly? Having spoken to a number of well-informed people, they recommended going for a pre-1990 Besson Sovereign or Imperial as they thought this was this manufacturer’s Golden Years. For a 1982 ‘ish built tuba it has aged well and blows extremely well, especially in the low register. TECH Browse and shop our range of music tech, audio equipment and accessories, including PA equipment, recording equipment and amplification accessories.Incidently I really believe the Chinese who claim the Schiller to be genuine German, Frankfort hand-crafted hand-made parts from copper mined in Germany and smelted by men wearing lederhosen and lovingly created by German technicians all over 80 years old etc etc. I found some sauerkraut in the sixth valve]. To be fair this 'cheap copy' actually plays excellently - even with a Eb crook. I put in a cynlindrical Eb crook immediately after the valves and before that hugely expanding general tuning slide. It makes the sound more focussed. While I love the NS, I am keeping my eyes out for a B&H or Besson with the 15" bell. I think the more focused tone of the smaller bell and the better intonation might just be the right combination for me. (Anyone out there in Tubenetland have one sitting in your closet collecting dust?)

Casio For over 60 years Casio have been producing quality electronic musical instruments for beginners, intermediate and professional piano and keyboard players. Admira Admira is a well manufactured and good value for money brand. A great first guitar for classical learners. My understanding is that Besson no-longer make tubas and contract their models to B&S in Germany to make on their behalf.The Eb is probably the most popular tuba in the UK. Used in brass bands, wind bands, and symphony orchestras. Also what I liked but others may dislike: Norwegian star (and Rudolf Meinl) are more flexible, both in tuning and in sound you can create (dark, bright, really sharp, etc.) Wide slots allowing for more control.

Although the earlier models are very heavy, so if for kids use then I would look at a later model in the 1990's ?? ]I suspect they were influenced by the range of instruments (1960s - 1980s) that has ended up with the B&S Symphonie style 5 or 6 valve F. The originals of these were handcrafted German new style instruments now widely copied and used by many soloists. BUT the price is unattainable. I recently tried a genuine B&S six valve which, yes, blew well but no better than my Eb and F Cervenys, EEb Besson, old Miraphone 183 or indeed my Jinbao 6 valve F 9 (stamped Schiller, Frankfurt, Germany!!!!!). It would have cost 8 times the amount.

You can buy at least two of these for the price of a new Miraphone! - although the Miraphone is a great tuba in its own right.Meinl Sonic Energy BE INSPIRED by our assortment of beautiful, carefully crafted instruments from the Meinl’s Sonic Energy range. They are used in therapy by many practitioners to help with stress management, anxiety relief, insomnia, depression, addictive recovery and pain management. Find a journey toward peace and restoration through listening carefully to the vibrations, often encountered on a daily basis, and when listened to closely seem to have a language all of their own. They invite us to appreciate what we find harmonious in our life and make self-discovery through sound. The Sonic Energy collection supports our connection to experience the body, mind and energy, as one. This cookie stores user-like settings for the chat system provider, which are required for our online chat service. Trusted Shops My advice is to consider a refurbished Sovereign (or Imperial) ideally pre-1990, and not just look at new buys.