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Best Melton Bb Tubas 2025

Premium Melton bb tubas - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Marching Band For Concert Band For Jazz For Popular For Student For Brass Quintet
BRANDS: Miraphone Thomann Melton Cerveny
Melton 97/2 Bb-Tuba - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Melton 97/2 Bb-Tuba

by Melton
Brass Quintet Student Jazz
Key Feature:
• Wide repertoire availability
✓ PROS
  • • Great for marching band use
  • • Most common and versatile tuba
✗ CONS
  • • Professional limitations in orchestra
  • • Compromise instrument for some applications

Melton 97/2 Bb TubaBb TubaSize: 4/4Body and bell made of brassBore: 20.5 - 21.5 mm (4th valve)Bell Ø: 420 mmHeight:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 538602
$25,298
Buy at Thomann View Details
Melton 196-L "Fasolt" Bb-Tuba - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Melton 196-L "Fasolt" Bb-Tuba

by Melton
Student Popular Brass Quintet
Key Feature:
• Manageable size for students
✓ PROS
  • • Great for marching band use
  • • Most common and versatile tuba
✗ CONS
  • • Less projection than CC tubas
  • • Professional limitations in orchestra

Melton 196-L Bb Tuba "Fasolt"Bb TubaSize: 5/4Body and bell made of brassBore: 21.50 mmBell Ø: 500 mm4 Rotary...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 246502
$15,948
Buy at Thomann View Details
Melton 197/2-S "Original" Bb-Tuba - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Melton 197/2-S "Original" Bb-Tuba

by Melton
Jazz Concert Band Marching Band
Key Feature:
• Manageable size for students
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for jazz and popular music
  • • Most common and versatile tuba
✗ CONS
  • • May lack depth for orchestral work
  • • Not ideal for all classical literature

Melton 197/2-S "Original" Bb-TubaBb TubaSize: 5/4Body and bell made of brassHandmade from sheet metal...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 273569
$30,239
Buy at Thomann View Details
Melton 195-L "Fafner" Bb-Tuba - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Melton 195-L "Fafner" Bb-Tuba

by Melton
Jazz Marching Band Popular
Key Feature:
• Wide repertoire availability
✓ PROS
  • • Wide repertoire availability
  • • Manageable size for students
✗ CONS
  • • May lack depth for orchestral work
  • • Not ideal for all classical literature

Melton 195-L "Fafner" Bb-TubaBb TubaSize: 5/4BrasslacqueredBore: 21.50 mmBell Ø: 480 mmHeight: 1050...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 157709
$15,178
Buy at Thomann View Details
Melton 2011FA-L Front Action Bb-Tuba - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Melton 2011FA-L Front Action Bb-Tuba

by Melton
Student Concert Band Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for marching band use
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for students
  • • Great for marching band use
✗ CONS
  • • Less projection than CC tubas
  • • Not ideal for all classical literature

Melton 2011FA-L Front Action Bb-TubaBb TubaSize: 3/4Brass body and bellBore: 17.00 mmBell Ø: 440 mm4 Perinet...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 252232
$8,575
Buy at Thomann View Details
Melton 2011RA-L Bb-Tuba - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Melton 2011RA-L Bb-Tuba

by Melton
Popular Concert Band Student
Key Feature:
• Manageable size for students
✓ PROS
  • • Wide repertoire availability
  • • Great for marching band use
✗ CONS
  • • May lack depth for orchestral work
  • • Compromise instrument for some applications

Melton 2011RA-L Bb TubaBb TubaSize: 3/4Brass body and bell4 Rotary valvesBore: 18.50 mm / 4th valve 19.50 mmBell Ø:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 215654
$9,898
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Bb Tubas

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced bb tubas typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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