Allora AA186 BBb tuba

[Richardrichard9]

Does anyone have coments on this tuba or the Hanstone TB101L BBb tuba?

[davewerden]

I haven't played either one first-hand, but I have heard good things in general about the Allora brand as a student instrument. The Hanstone is not well known and I would be very careful with that one.

[Richardrichard9]

Wood wind and brass wind classifies the Allora as a professional model. Do you think it would be good enough for at least the college years?

[davewerden]

Originally posted by: Richardrichard9

Wood wind and brass wind classifies the Allora as a professional model. Do you think it would be good enough for at least the college years?

"Professional" is pushing it a bit, in my opinion. I don't typically see pro's playing this horn (or even talking about it for their own use). However, there is nothing wrong with being a good, solid student instrument.

You need to try it. If it plays nicely for you, and if you take good care of it, you may be happy with it for a long time. It depends on what your ambitions are during college and what you plan to do afterward. If you're out to take on the orchestral tuba world, you're going to want to get a better horn well ahead of college graduation if possible.

You should probably post the same question on TubeNet. They have more tuba traffic and you can get a broader batch of opinions.
TubeNet Forum

[Richardrichard9]

Well I am hoping to become a college teacher and/or performer. Obviously this wouldn't be a permanent horn, but for now it is something in my price range.

Thanks for the link, i will post there as well!

[bearphonium]

Richard,
I've seen your posts here and on Tubenet. I scoped out WW/BW site, and noticed something. The Allora 186 is priced lower than the student model Allora 105 (knock off Yamaha 105, my guess, and 1/4 the tuba of a full Miraphone). I'd be patient and look for a Mira to buy used, espcially since you have the goal of taking the tuba a long way.

FYI, I bought my first (and so far only) tuba off of the For Sale side of Tubenet, and was very pleased with the process.

Good luck!

Ally

[Richardrichard9]

That is because it recently got put on Closeout. In their last catalog that I got it was about $2600..

[Richardrichard9]

Could you give me a link to the buying side of tubnet, cause I can't find it.

[davewerden]

Originally posted by: Richardrichard9

Could you give me a link to the buying side of tubnet, cause I can't find it.

I think the reference is to the Buy/Sell topic on TubeNet:

Buying and Selling on TubeNet

[Richardrichard9]

Oh ok, I was thinking that but wasn't positive.