Best Sousaphone & Best Sousaphone Brands
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The brass instruments have always been given special importance in the music industry and these have been used in the Army and military bands. There is a vast variety of instruments that fall under this category and the one we are going to discuss today is of great significance.
A sousaphone is a commendable tool that was created long ago. Initially, it was produced in 1893 and since then it has been in use. This is also known as the anon-transposing brass tool and is usually used concerts, marching and other band performances.
What are the Best Sousaphones to Buy?
Sousaphones resemble greatly with tuba and operate in a similar way by buzzing the lips against the mouthpiece. These are also considered as one of the tuba’s types.
What makes it different from the tuba is the bent circular structure that fits around musician’s body. This is more suitable for the marching bands and allows the users to play with greater ease. The exclusive design makes this tool more appropriate for standing and marching performances and is easier to carry as compared to all other brass tools.
If you are also fond of learning this tool, there are numerous options for you. Many institutes and well-reputed music schools can teach you how to play but before that, you should get to know some basics about the music instrument.
If you are serious and want to play this skillfully, practice and a lot of time are required. First, you should have the basic knowledge about the construction, functioning, and types of Sousaphone so that you can decide which one is better for you to purchase.
The length and music range of Sousaphone is similar to that of other tubas and this also features a 3 valve structure. It is designed in a way that the sound is projected forward and above the band. This is made possible because the bell is over the player’s head.
The bell is usually separable that makes it easy for the user to carry it around. The 3 valves are placed a bit above the waist and the left shoulder carries all the weight.
Several different brands and companies manufacture and supply a range of Sousaphones for different levels of musicians. The one you choose determines how well you can play. Always be careful in selecting the tool.
11 Best Sousaphone Reviews and the Best Sousaphone Brands
Following are the brief reviews of renowned 10 Sousaphones. Have a look so that you can make a well-informed decision.
1) Jupiter Deluxe Silver BBb Sousaphone, JSP1100S
This one is from Jupiter- one of the bests in manufacturing musical tools. Like its other products, it has all the characteristic features of the brand.
The Jupiter JSP1100S includes a complete brass body, bore of 0.687-inch and bell of 26-inch. It weighs 28 lbs. and has Nickle plated pistons. This one is excellent for fantastic response, improved projection and longer use. The tough body makes it more long-lasting. Users can practice on it as long as they want as it does not get damaged easily.
The stainless steel pistons are smooth to adjust and quick in action hence feature proficient play. Made of high quality of brass, it is silver-plated and increases the tonal brilliance.
Furthermore, this is easy to clean and easy to repair. The valve Body is made detachable which means it can easily be removed. In case, you need to get your tool repaired, it can be done comfortably by removing the valve section.
For the other tools, that doesn’t include a separable valve body, the repair becomes difficult because the technician may fail to reach the required part. Thus, Jupiter’s this article is constructed very wisely.
2) Yamaha YSH411 Sousaphone
Like each and every instrument presented by Yamaha, it is flawless and matchless in quality and performance. This is probably the best of all the models offered by a number of known brands.
It is well-constructed and has a full brass body. The bell is made of Yellow brass and the size is 26-inch. Other specifications include .728 bore, key of BBb, and 3 Nickle plated valves.
The smooth functioning and easy adjustment of valves helps in appreciable performance and makes it a user-friendly instrument. Using this you can boost your performance even if you are a starter.
Yamaha YSH411 has a silver plated finish and the glossy outlook makes it more appealing. Additionally, the high-class manufacturing material makes it more long-lasting and less prone to breakage and damage.
Mentors usually recommend this one because of its enhanced tonal projection and praiseworthy intonation.
3) Queen Brass Sousaphone
It functions in the key of Bb. Other specifications include sheet brass construction, silver or yellow with gold plating and silver lacquer options. The bell is detachable which makes traveling of players easy with it.
Beautifully designed, it has an appealing appearance and strong structure. The solid construction leads to greater durability. This one is also referred as large size tuba and is very efficient in performance.
It is very easy to carry because of its circular structure that fits around the musician’s body. The valves are easy to adjust and the tool is carried on the left shoulder. The queen brass sousaphone is made to deliver easy and appreciable performance.
This one comes complete with a mouthpiece and a carrying case. The case makes it comfortable for the player to carry the tool around. You can keep your tool in the case and take it easily wherever you want.
Additionally, the mouthpiece is also provided. Thus it comes in ready to play form. If you want to go for easy play, attractive outlook and outstanding functioning, this should be your choice.
4) Jupiter JSP1000B Bb Fiberglass Sousaphone
Jupiter is a well-reputed name and it is known well in the music industry for supplying high-quality brass tools. This brand has a long history. All its products are marvelous in construction, stylish in appearance and efficient in performance. It presents a large number of brass tools from different categories.
The one under consideration here is one of Jupiter’s masterpieces. It weighs 22.4 lbs, and the bell size is 26-inch. The generous bore is 0.687 inch in size and this tool has Nickle-silver pistons.
It is beautifully designed and the valve section for front action is made removable. This Jupiter JSP1000B is one of the most durable Sousaphones available in the market.
The new ones should go for it as they can freely practice it. Being robust, it cannot be damaged easily and one can use it for a long time. Buying this would be beneficial for you as it delivers good quality sound and features easy playability.
A nylon carrying case is also provided with it in which you can carry this tool easily.
5) Schiller American Heritage BBb Sousaphone – Gold Lacquer
This advanced tool has Monel valves with valve caps for accurate and easy play, 0.729-inch bore and 26-inch bell size. This schiller tool plays in the key of BBb and has a gold lacquer finish.
It features authoritative and strong sound projection. The Schiller American Heritage BBb Sousaphone is known to produce the traditional and basic American tone.
It is smooth in functioning, effortless in play and fast in response. This one is highly recommended. The tough construction and strong structure make it appropriate long use. It is also easy to keep clean. Along with other benefits, a Schiller mouthpiece and travel case with wheels is also supplied.
6) Ravel RSH202 Fiberglass Sousaphone
Ravel is one of famous music Instrument Company that supplies top-class tools at competitive rates. One can rely on this one for good performance and easy functioning.
Like other big names, it also accesses the quality and working of each tool before supplying and ensures that the clients get the best one. The check for quality is conducted by expert technicians.
The Ravel RSH202 Fiberglass Sousaphone is one of the company’s most selling articles. The product specification includes 3 piston valves, thebell of 26-inch and .750-inch bore. This is a very powerful tool and gives a marvelous performance with good quality projection. It is designed to give an easy response and has solid construction.
Additionally, the looks of this Ravel Sousaphone are very striking and grabs the attention. For those who are looking for both ate catchy appearance and smooth operation, it is a suitable one.
This comes with a mouthpiece and a very lightweight deluxe case that makes the traveling easier with the tool. Considering the style, efficiency, and outcome, this is a great one to take a start.
7) Fever AVA2450L Student BBb Sousaphone
The features include the key of BBb, bore size of .640 inch, bell diameter of 24-inch,3 valves and lacquered brass finishing. This one is known to be very appropriate for the students because of multiple reasons.
The design is simple. It is very user-friendly, specially constructed to meet the needs of learners. The extra bracing support is added to make this tool more durable so that you can keep practicing for a longer time.
The new learners particularly don’t know the proper way of handling such a big instrument. Therefore they should go for this one as it is robust and not likely to be damaged easily. Additionally, this comes at an economical price. One can easily afford to buy it.
Thus, if you wish to purchase a good quality one at a fair rate, this is a smart option. The Fever AVA2450L is provided with a superb silver-plated mouthpiece and a hard carrying case. In short, the price, quality, durability an playability, all are excellent and students should go for it for enhanced performance.
8) Antiques World Brass Full-Size 24″Double Loop Sousaphone Bell Sousaphone AWUSAMI 0127
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This made in India tool is two in one. It can be used for playing as well as the decoration of home. Keeping it in the showcase in your living area can enhance the outlook of your place. As the performance efficiency is concerned, that is wonderful. It delivers perfect intonation and enhanced projection.
The specific features include they key of BBb, a huge bell of 24-inches, full brass construction and 44-inch total length of the instrument. Thus it is large in size.
The complete brass structure makes the output bright and vibrant. The mouthpiece provided with it is exemplary and very appropriate for use. Thus, you don’t need to go for another one.
The structure is 100 percent genuine and free from any kind of flaws. It is made to be used in scout parades. The is also a very suitable choice for using in the school band and the street bands. The intermediate level musicians can handle it well and enjoy a vibrant play.
9) OSWAL Bb Flat Brass Finishing Sousaphone
OSWAL Band is a known name in India that specializes in the production and export of an out-class variety of band instruments. This one is credible on the market and known to be reliable for providing high standard, smooth function of tools and affordable rates.
The one under discussion is one of its wide-ranging products and like all others of this company, this is credible. The article weighs 14 lbs. and has a bell diameter of 21-inches.
The total length of OSWAL Sousaphone is 42-inches and it has a solid brass body. This also has the key of Bb. The mouthpiece provided is Nickle-Plated and a hard case is also given which is light in weight.
It has a simple construction and is considered a very smart choice for the beginners and musicians of intermediate level. The effortless adjustment of valves, improved playability, and enhanced performance encourages the new ones and they take more interest in improving themselves. As this one is smaller in size, the fresh learners can easily handle it and learn to play in a better way.
10) Global Art World Stylish and Beautifully Carved Sousaphone
The next one we are discussing is made in India and it is also a wonderful choice. The bell’s diameter is 5-inches and the total length of the tool is 21-inches. Just like a tuba, it is a brass instrument with 3 valves, operates in the key of Bb and gives an admirable performance.
It is very carefully manufactured by the expert craftsmen and its wondrous construction makes it a robust one which is less prone to any kind of damage. This one is seamless, free from flaws and a hundred percent genuine article that is made to give praiseworthy output.
Interestingly, it is painted blue and this attractive color enhances its beauty and the new learners like to have this catchy instrument. The Global Art World Sousaphone is provided with a complementary mouthpiece. Thus, you don’t have to buy that separately.
Additionally, a bag for keeping the tool is also given so that you don’t find any difficulty in carrying your stylish and favorite tool. It is easy to clean and you can do that by simply wiping it with a dry piece of cloth.
11) Indian Handmade Silver Finish Brass Sousaphone
Like many others, its pitch is Bb Flat and has a large bell of 22-inches in size. The length of this Sousaphone is 42-inches. The bell can be detached for easy storage.
The 3 valves are smooth in action and the adjustment is made easy for the comfort of the user. The excellent quality sound is projected and it gives a flawless performance.
This silver finish brass sousaphone has an eye-catching look and simple construction. It is made in India. Special attention is paid to its construction and it is handmade by the highly skilled workers.
They worked with dedication to ensure a free-of fault strong tool that can deliver superb performance. It includes effortless adjustments and comfortable play. The cost is also reasonable and considering the quality, the price is just wonderful.
Thus, if you want to purchase a low cost one, this would be great. The starters should use this. A complimentary bag/carry case is supplied with it to make the storage and transport of the tool easier for the player.
Choosing the Best Sousaphone from the Best Sousaphone Brands
These were some of the widely used and recommended models of Sousaphones. After the quick and brief overview of each one’s specifications, you can make a better choice. It is wise to make a decision after some research. This way, you can give a better idea and choose the more suitable tool. Whether you need to purchase it for yourself or your kid, you have to take care of certain things.
The price, quality, purpose of purchase and manufacturing material are the factors that every buyer should consider.
Sousaphones come in different materials including Fiberglass, brass, and hybrid of both. The material used impacts the quality of tone and weight of the instrument. The cost also varies with the change of material.
- The fiberglass ones are light in weight and low in cost. These are better for the new learners and starters.
- Those with the full brass body are heavier in weight, high in cost and are usually used by the professionals. Their output is richer and players usually use this one for competing marching band.
- The hybrid sousaphone features fiberglass body and brass bell. The produced by these is warmer than the one produced by fiberglass sousaphone. This is more affordable and suitable for students.