Is the Suwannee a good first four-valve tuba?

Yes, if the player has outgrown a three-valve student horn. The fourth valve adds the low fingerings, and the 3/4 size keeps the weight manageable for younger players.

How does it compare with the Yamaha YBB-103?

Both are 3/4 student BBb tubas. The Suwannee adds a fourth valve, which the YBB-103 does not have, and comes with a wheeled case. The Yamaha has the longer track record in school programs.

Will it work for a high school marching or pep band?

It can, but a 3/4 tuba is quiet outdoors. Most programs use sousaphones or larger horns for marching and keep a 3/4 for indoor concert band.

What comes in the box?

The tuba, a mouthpiece and a foam body case with wheels.

Can an adult beginner use it?

It plays fine, but adults usually prefer a full-size 4/4 tuba for tone and projection. The 3/4 is built around smaller players.

Does it need a different mouthpiece?

The included mouthpiece is enough to start. Many players later move to a larger cup for a fuller low register.

Where is the O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba cheapest?

At O'Malley Musical Instruments, for $2,999.00, as of our latest check.

O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba

Best price now

$2,999.00at O'Malley Musical InstrumentsChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit O'Malley Musical Instruments

O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba

Best price now

$2,999.00at O'Malley Musical InstrumentsChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit O'Malley Musical Instruments

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Price facts

Last seen at $2,999.00 at O'Malley Musical Instruments on Nov 10.

Our take on the O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba

The O'Malley Suwannee is a 3/4-size BBb tuba with four valves, aimed at students moving up from a three-valve horn. Its compact body fits in a back seat, and it ships with a mouthpiece and a foam case with wheels. O'Malley positions it against the Yamaha YBB-103, and the fourth valve opens the low register fingerings that middle and high school players need. It is a student instrument, so expect a lighter build and less projection than a full-size orchestral tuba.

Best forMiddle school players learning four-valve fingeringsHigh school band students who need their own hornPlayers who haul a tuba to remote gigsParents buying a first four-valve BBb tuba

Pros

Four valves give the low register fingerings a three-valve horn lacks
3/4 size is easy for younger players to hold and carry
Compact body fits in a back seat
Foam case with wheels makes transport easier
Mouthpiece included, so it plays out of the case

Cons

3/4 bore and bell give less volume and depth than a full-size tuba
Student build will not hold up like a pro horn under heavy use
Not enough projection for large ensembles or orchestral work
Intonation and response depend on the player more than on the horn

O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba prices at every store

O'Malley Musical InstrumentsNew
In stock
$2,999.00Checked Nov 10
Visit O'Malley Musical Instruments

O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba price history

Lowest price we've seen: $2,999.00 on Nov 10 at O'Malley Musical Instruments. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 10.

From O'Malley Musical Instruments

3/4 student model 4-valve BBb tuba
Excellent intonation and easy blowing for any level
Suited to middle school and high school players learning 4-valve fingerings
Compact size fits in the back seat for remote gigs
Compares to Yamaha YBB-103

Materials: Yellow brass and nickel silver tubing with Monel piston block; nickel inner and outer tuning slides; cupronickel tuning pipes
Fit: 3/4 size
Shipping: Free delivery on small instruments as seen on the shipping policy page
In the box: Mouthpiece, Foam body case with wheels

About the O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba

The O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee is a student-model BBb tuba with four valves. It is a 3/4-size instrument for middle school and high school players learning 4-valve fingerings.

The tubing is yellow brass and nickel silver, with a Monel piston block. The inner and outer tuning slides are nickel, and the tuning pipes are cupronickel. Its compact size lets it fit in the back seat of a car. It comes with a mouthpiece and a foam body case with wheels.

Instrument: BBb tuba
Size: 3/4
Valves: 4
Level: Student model
Tubing: Yellow brass and nickel silver
Piston block: Monel
Tuning slides: Nickel inner and outer
Tuning pipes: Cupronickel
In the box: Mouthpiece, foam body case with wheels

Questions and answers

Is the Suwannee a good first four-valve tuba?: Yes, if the player has outgrown a three-valve student horn. The fourth valve adds the low fingerings, and the 3/4 size keeps the weight manageable for younger players.
How does it compare with the Yamaha YBB-103?: Both are 3/4 student BBb tubas. The Suwannee adds a fourth valve, which the YBB-103 does not have, and comes with a wheeled case. The Yamaha has the longer track record in school programs.
Will it work for a high school marching or pep band?: It can, but a 3/4 tuba is quiet outdoors. Most programs use sousaphones or larger horns for marching and keep a 3/4 for indoor concert band.
What comes in the box?: The tuba, a mouthpiece and a foam body case with wheels.
Can an adult beginner use it?: It plays fine, but adults usually prefer a full-size 4/4 tuba for tone and projection. The 3/4 is built around smaller players.
Does it need a different mouthpiece?: The included mouthpiece is enough to start. Many players later move to a larger cup for a fuller low register.
Where is the O'Malley 3/4 Suwannee Bb Tuba cheapest?: At O'Malley Musical Instruments, for $2,999.00, as of our latest check.

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