I play a King 2280 euphonium (4V, top action) in my Moravian church band and would like to learn to play the tuba, too. I can read only bass clef. The other tubas in our band are all BBb, and I'm learning that most all beginners start out with BBb, so my guess is that's what I'll end up with. Traditionally we play a 20 minute prelude (various chorales) before church starts every Sunday. If it's not raining or snowing, and the temp is above 50 deg F, we play them outdoors standing up. Otherwise, we play our prelude indoors seated. We also play an anthem during church about 6 times a year. Lastly, we play for the Easter Sunrise service which lasts about 1.5 hours, and of course we're standing for that, and at times walking as we play antiphonally.
Given our playing patterns, I'm wondering whether top, front, or rotary would be best. Also, are most tubas normally built with places to hook a strap or some other holding device?
Just interested in hearing about pros and cons from those who have experience on this forum. Of course I'll be discussing this with the tuba players in our band - but most of them don't own their tuba and use what was given to them by the church to use. I will be buying mine. Thanks!