Best tubas

Start here: Eastman EBB534. A 4/4 BBb with four front-action monel pistons and a big 19¾" upright bell — the classic all-rounder for a serious student or a school program that wants one tuba to do everything, and it's sold through many dealers, so service and parts are easy.

Who the others suit:

• Wessex TB480P "Viverna" — handmade 4/4 with five valves (four pistons plus rotary); the pick if you want a hand-built horn with a low-register valve without paying boutique prices.
• Yamaha YBB-105 — the sensible first tuba: compact 3/4 body, easy to handle and to learn on.
• Jupiter JTU705 — another 3/4 three-valve, a solid step up for a middle- or high-school player.
• Miraphone 186-4U / 187 — the traditional German-style choice for players who want that dark, blending orchestral sound.
• Yamaha YBB-621/623 — pro-level instruments for college and working players.
• Miraphone 1291 5-valve — the top of this list, for someone who wants a five-valve professional horn outright.

Two caveats: the Wessex ships from the UK and the Yamaha YBB-105 listing from Israel, so duties may apply — worth confirming before ordering. I couldn't verify specs on the Yamaha professional models, so compare their valve counts and bell sizes with the dealer directly.