7 Best Cheap Tuba Reviews 2022 (Best Budget Tuba)

Best Cheap Tuba & Best Budget Tuba

Best Cheap Tuba & Best Budget Tuba

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Would you like to find a cheap tuba to enjoy? Considering that the tuba is a large instrument, made out of brass, finding an affordable one can seem a rather daunting task. In fact, it is worth knowing that the tuba is the largest instrument in the brass instrument family, which means that a lot of metal is used for the making of a tuba.

So, it is even possible to find a tuba on a budget? Many people would like to learn how to play an instrument, yet the price tag of the instrument makes them postpone their hobby or interest. If you find yourself attracted by a tuba and would like to have an instrument, so you can start tuba classes and rehearse on your own, continue reading the following lines.

What are the Best Affordable Tubas to Buy?

1
Jupiter 378L BBb 3/4 Size Tuba
2
Artist Series 3/4 Size BBb Rotary Tuba
3
Ravel Tuba (RBB204)
Jupiter 378L BBb 3/4 Size Tuba
Artist Series 3/4 Size BBb Rotary Tuba
Ravel Tuba (RBB204)
1
Jupiter 378L BBb 3/4 Size Tuba
Jupiter 378L BBb 3/4 Size Tuba
Check on Amazon
2
Artist Series 3/4 Size BBb Rotary Tuba
Artist Series 3/4 Size BBb Rotary Tuba
Check on Amazon
3
Ravel Tuba (RBB204)
Ravel Tuba (RBB204)
Check on Amazon

Shopping for a tuba on a budget is not an easy thing, as it is easy to end up purchasing a damaged instrument or one that will not perform as desired. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a proper instrument at an accessible price. You just have to be willing to spend the time and effort necessary to find the ideal instrument.

While it is true that tubas are made out of brass, you probably noticed that some may vary in color. The material is the same, but the color indicates a different material composition. This means that the instrument will also have a different tone. Thus, a yellow brass tuba will not sound the same with a rose brass tuba. These particularities can be sensed in an instrument price tag as well.

A good piece of advice, when looking to find a cheap tuba, is to look for instruments made for students. These are instruments capable of performing basic tasks so that the student will be able to acquire adequate playing skills. At the same time, these tubas will be affordable, as students usually have a low budget or are uncertain whether they will stick to playing the tuba.

So, they are unable or not interested in making a significant investment in buying a tuba. In case you don’t have a generous budget or you simply want to spend less on a tuba, it is worth checking the list below. The following instruments were chosen based on their price tag, in particular, so you can see that tubas can indeed be affordable as well.

7 Best Cheap Tuba Reviews and the Best Budget Tuba Brands

1) Jupiter 378 Series 3-Valve 3/4 BBb Tuba 378L Lacquer

This is a beautiful tuba, which doesn’t just look great, but also plays very well. In spite of its size, the tuba is rather light, so you will feel comfortable while performing. It has a beautiful yellow brass body, with a layer of transparent lacquer for a distinct finish.

An advantage of getting this instrument is that it will come along with an adequate case. Because you will own a brass instrument, it is very important to protect it right. Brass is sturdy, but it can get easily scratched or the tuba can get damaged during impact.

As you can tell, the brass is not very thick, as the tuba should have a weight that allows you to hold it comfortably, even when you need to perform by standing up. So, a hard case with an interior molded properly so that it will help your instrument fit in snugly.

Also, the soft interior will also keep your tuba from getting accidentally scratched. There are high chances that you will love the compact size of the tuba, as it will be more than capable of providing a rich tone and dynamic tone range. Performing will this instrument will be pleasant for every student without a doubt.

2) Artist Series 3/4 Size BBb Rotary Tuba

When looking for affordable tubas, we also found this particular instrument. Also made out of yellow brass, with a layer of lacquer on top, this instrument may be just what you need to deepen your tuba playing skills. We are talking about a compact tuba that is easy to play and hold at the same time. It is not a sophisticated mode, as it has only 3 valves, but for a student, it is the ideal instrument.

The quality is great, so you will definitely be able to use this tuba for very many years to come. Of course, adequate maintenance and care are needed, but if you do things right, this is a tuba that will be there for you for a very long period. The weight is balanced and the instrument is rather elegant. You will indeed make a great impression no matter where you will have to play the tuba.

As a student or beginner, you really don’t need complicated instruments. You still need to acquire playing skills at this point, so one that is capable of performing basic tasks is just what you should look for. This way, the learning process will be simple and effective.

3) Ravel 4-valve Student Tuba w/ Wheeled Poly Case

Are you past beyond the first tuba classes and you already know how to handle this instrument? Then perhaps a 4-valve tuba is a better choice for you. Beginners with a certain level of experience and skills will know how to handle this type of instrument well.

If you enjoy playing the tuba and you think that investing in such an instrument is a good choice, do have a look at this one. It has 4 valves instead of 3, which means that it is capable of reaching more low and high notes, improving your performance.

The body of the tuba is made out of yellow brass, while the tuning pipe, lead pipe, and pistons are made out of nickel. The pistons have plastic valve guides that will help you improve your playing technique and acquire better skills in a shorter period.

This tuba is great for individual players and band players alike, and for the price tag, you are going to get a sturdy instrument. Although it is not the cheapest instrument, you will get good quality and a lot of features for the money you are about to spend. So, it is possible to say that the quality-price ratio is a very good one.

4) Band Directors Choice Student BBb Tuba

There is no need to spend a small fortune on a tuba when you can get this affordable student tuba. It is a real-scale instrument made to suit the needs of a tuba student or beginner. It can be a great choice for a first-time tuba and most certainly your teacher will approve.

The size is smaller than usual, but this is a plus considering that you are just starting out. A smaller tuba means that you will manage to learn how to hold and use it without too much difficulty. The tuba is a rather large and bulky instrument, so a large one could pose serious challenges to a beginner.

Still, the body is made out of real brass, just as it supposed to be. A layer of transparent lacquer is used on the exterior, to protect the brass and give it a nice glossy appearance. It is worth mentioning that the pistons of this tuba are hand-lapped, which means an instrument that will perform without any kind of additional noise.

At the same time, the tuba will be very responsive. It won’t be hard to deliver great performance with this instrument. As you can see, you can get everything you need with a cheap price tag as well.

5) Stagg WS – BT235 Bb Tuba with Case

This is another great and cheap tuba to have. The best part is that you will also get a case include in the same amount of money, so it’s a great deal if you really don’t want to spend that much. The truth is that whether the instrument comes along with a case or not, having a proper case to protect your brass instrument is more than recommended.

While scratches won’t create more than just aesthetic problems, damaging the body of the tuba, even if it’s just a small dent, will alter the way your instrument sounds and plays.

But, in this case, you will get a case that will definitely fit your tuba. Made out of yellow brass and featuring nickel silver pistons, this tuba is great for students and beginners. Not just the price tag recommends it, but also its light weight and easiness of use.

Regardless if you want to offer a tuba as a gift or you’re shopping on a budget, this choice may be an excellent one. Just bear in mind that this is a basic instrument. This means that it will perform basic notes, which is, in the case of a student, more than sufficient.

6) Cool Wind CTU-200 Series 4-Valve BBb Tuba Red

Are you into bright and lively colors? Well, then how about a beautiful red tuba? We talked about instruments made out of yellow brass so far, but you should know that it is possible to find tubas that have rather uncommon colors.

This gorgeous 4-valve red tuba can answer to your needs regarding a special design and appearance and perform like a real tuba as well. If you expected from this tuba to be made out of brass, as it is normally done, you’ll be surprised to find out that it is made out of “plastic” brass.

Practically, it is a plastic material capable to mimic the behavior of brass. This type of instruments is on the market for a while, being preferred for their affordable price and lightweight. So, don’t hesitate to get a plastic tuba if you’d like one, as it will perform just as a tuba is supposed to perform.

The bell is made out of ABS while all the valves are made out of metal. The instrument also comes accompanied by a soft case, so you will have another worry off your mind as well.

7) Ravel RBB102 3-Valve 3/4-Size Tuba

In case you are looking for an accessible tuba, this option is worthy of your attention. The instrument is well made and features 3 valves, which means that it is more than capable of performing all the notes. Of course, there are tubas with 4 and 5 valves, but you should save those for later on after you managed to acquire proper playing skills.

Until then, do your best to maneuver and play the 3-valve tuba. If you never touched a tuba, you will see that it can be quite tricky. This is why 3 valves are enough for the moment. Because it was made to serve students, the instrument is light-weighted and easy to hold while playing.

So, if you are playing in a band and have to stand up or walk while playing the tuba, this particular instrument will make things easier for you. The lead pipe, tuning piece, and pistons are made out of nickel silver, while the entire body of the tuba is made out of beautiful yellow brass.

A lacquer gloss is applied on top, for a presentable aspect and durability in time. While there are other options as well, this instrument has high chances not to disappoint you.

Choosing the Best Affordable Tubas

Due to the fact that tubas are large instruments made out of metal, their price tag is according to their size and manufacturing materials. As you can see, most of them are still made out of brass, with slight differences in size. Still, there are also exceptions, as the case of the “plastic” brass tuba.

Although it may sound weird to have a tuba made out of plastic, you should know that this is not a toy instrument. It was made to be used by real tuba players and perform accordingly. A special type of plastic is used, with a proper composition, so that the instrument produces the same kind of sounds like the brass versions.

So, when looking to purchase a cheap and professional tuba, you should check out a few aspects. How many valves do you want the tuba to have? When it comes to students, 3 valves are enough, although 4 can also be used. Still, an extra valve will mean that you will spend a bit more on your instrument.

Also, consider the material and size of the instrument. There are tubas that are slightly smaller, ideal for first-time players. Getting additional accessories, like a mouthpiece or case, is also a plus, as you will pay the price and get more than just your instrument.