sousaphones, C, Eb, BBb

[uberEEb]

Just need some help in choosing the right sousaphone for playing in general marching bands and concert ( liked to play sousa instead of tuba for a change as it is rare here in rural QLD).

I've learnt to play the Eb then progressed to the EEb and I also play the Bb trumpet in concert and learnt the trumbone on the treble and bass cleff.

anyway, I know that to get to the low notes on the Eb tuba you need the fourth valve as the Eb is limited to low A natural, however i found Bb little different. and i know nothing about C, I play the EEb tuba on the bass cleff in concert the same as violin and flute ect. same with trumbone.

however My instructor (may he rest) had told me that the BBb is identicle as the trumpet, though the EEb tuba are similar in fingering to the Bb trumpet except when you play F natural on treble as 1 on same position on the staff but with bass cleff it's A, using same fingering it is Ab. but i could be looking at it incorrectly.

so, out of the three keys for the sousaphone which would be of more use? more suited? and better. ( i do have a weak spot for those LOW NOTES) lol

[bearphonium]

If you can get a 4 valve EEb that might be your best bet. I don't know what kind of music you play in concert band, but if you need the low notes, I think you need a BBb. My two cents, as a BBb tuba/sousy player.