I want to thank all of you for your very thought provoking responses. It got to me to thinking about which times and instruments I played that I was happier. As an adult I have played tenor trombone, euphonium, bass trombone, and tuba.
Trombone was my first instrument. Due to an elbow injury long ago that stopped being an option. So if I was going to continue playing it would be valves. The only valve trombones I could find were small bore. I do not like small bore.
I was happy with the euphonium but the music and position of playing a compensator were not in my comfort zone. I was thinking of getting a Festivo Euphonium. Then I remembered the tubas I had played - Conn 20J and Mirafone 186. Out of all the instruments I have played the Mirafone front rotary valve tuba was the most comfortable. The band I was in need a bass trombone a few years ago so I sold it and played bass trombone until it became too painful.
I was on the web and saw that Milano Music has two used tubas in my price range - a Mirafone 184 and a Mirafone 186 bell front. Both BBb. I went down to try them. They played really well. Looks - not so much. But that is ok. I like playing in the bass range. I like older instruments which I can afford. If I had the money I would have new instruments. I bought the Mirafone 186 bell front. It has a larger bore vs the 184. I got a deal because it is bell front.
This has gotten me playing again and I have more options playing tuba. I decided to have a break and just think about it. Time will tell if I decide to switch gain. Maybe that is how I am musically. But I am playing again. Sorry for the long winded explanation. Thank you all for the advice.
Cerveny BBb Kaiser Tuba
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“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.”
― Ludwig van Beethoven