Tubas

Tubas for Sale

About the Tuba

The tuba is the largest and lowest-pitched of the brass instruments, and serves an important foundational role in concert bands, orchestras, brass bands, marching bands, military bands, New Orleans brass and jazz bands, and other ensembles. Most often, the tuba plays the bass line and provides a rhythmic and harmonic anchor for the ensemble, but it’s also capable of rich melodic playing and solo performance. Some of the main parts of the tuba include the coiled brass tubing, the bell, the valves and the lead pipe, where the mouthpiece is inserted. The sound of the tuba is highly distinctive, at once powerful, punchy, warm and airy.

To generate sound on the instrument, the musician buzzes their lips against the brass mouthpiece; to change pitch, they press the valves down, which lengthens the tubing and lowers the pitch. Changes in pitch can also be achieved through the embouchure — or the coordinated combination of the player’s lips, tongue, teeth and the muscles around the mouth.

Types of Tubas

Tubas come in several types and varieties, pitched to different notes and serving different purposes. The most common tuba — and the model that is most often used in school concert bands and marching bands — is the Bb tuba. The C tuba is the runner-up, and a popular choice for more advanced orchestral and concert settings. There are also tubas pitched in Eb and F, used in more specific orchestral, concert, chamber and brass-band situations, as well as marching tubas, which are designed to be played over the shoulder and on the move. In addition, the sousaphone is a type of tuba and a popular choice for marching bands, with a comfort-minded design that wraps around the player’s body.

Shop for Tubas at Music & Arts

Music & Arts offers a wide range of tubas for sale, spanning every skill level, from durable student models to professional instruments. We stock tubas from leading brands including Yamaha, Miraphone, Eastman, Jupiter and Adams. Shop our full selection today to find the perfect tuba that fits your performance needs and budget.

Tuba Buying FAQs

What are the considerations when shopping for a tuba?

For more information on tuba materials, finishes, valves and more, check out our Tuba Buying Guide, as well as our Tuba Mouthpiece Buying Guide.

Is the tuba hard to learn?

Perhaps the biggest hurdle when taking up the tuba is its sheer size: It’s simply a large instrument. Because of that size, it requires a generous and efficient use of air. Tuba players must read music in the bass clef, which may be unfamiliar to players coming from high-brass instruments like the trumpet.

That said, the tuba isn’t as intimidating as it looks. Its fingerings are straightforward, and most of the parts students encounter in early marching and concert band are simple, supportive low-end lines. As long as a musician can handle the instrument comfortably, they’ll progress steadily with regular practice — just as with any brass instrument.

What is the lifespan of a tuba?

With proper maintenance and care, a high-quality tuba can sound and look excellent for decades.

What accessories do I need for my tuba?

To maintain your tuba, you’ll need accessories like lubricant for the valves and slides, polishing cloths and cleaning products. Music & Arts offers the Giardinelli Low Brass Care Kit, which bundles core accessories into a single budget-friendly pack.

How do I maintain my tuba?

For tips on keeping your tuba in optimal playing condition, consult our Tuba Maintenance Guide, as well as our guide to Common Tuba Repairs.