Yamaha YBB-105WC
A 3/4-size BBb student tuba from Yamaha, purpose-built for younger players and budget-conscious buyers, per the manufacturer's own materials — hand-lapped pistons and slides are documented features aimed at smooth, responsive, noiseless valve action.

A 3/4-size BBb student tuba from Yamaha, purpose-built for younger players and budget-conscious buyers, per the manufacturer's own materials — hand-lapped pistons and slides are documented features aimed at smooth, responsive, noiseless valve action. Suited to beginner-through-student tubists, particularly younger players benefiting from the 3/4 size and lighter weight.
Key specifications
| Manufacturer | Yamaha |
|---|---|
| Product status | Current |
| Size | 3/4 |
| Bore | .661" |
| Bell | 14 3/8" upright, yellow brass |
| Valves | 3 Perinet piston, nickel-plated |
| Leadpipe | Gold brass |
| Finish | Clear lacquer |
| Weight | 6.40 kg |
| Included | #67 mouthpiece, hard shell case |
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Documented hand-lapped piston and slide construction aimed specifically at valve responsiveness; lighter weight than a full 4/4 tuba, easing the size/breath-support barrier for young beginners; wide retailer and repair-shop availability typical of Yamaha's wind instruments.
Weaknesses
- No hands-on or independent third-party expert playability assessment was located for this specific model in this research pass.
Playability and construction
Not assessed hands-on — this review is based on specification and market analysis (see the badge above), so no subjective playing-feel claim (response, intonation tendencies, resistance) is made here. See the Verdict below for what this assessment is and isn't.
Construction
Yellow brass bell and body, gold brass leadpipe, nickel-plated piston valves.
Competing models
Verdict
A 3/4-size BBb student tuba from Yamaha, purpose-built for younger players and budget-conscious buyers, per the manufacturer's own materials — hand-lapped pistons and slides are documented features aimed at smooth, responsive, noiseless valve action. Suited to beginner-through-student tubists, particularly younger players benefiting from the 3/4 size and lighter weight. See our full The Best Beginner Tubas guide for how it compares to alternatives.
Where to buy
Prices and availability are checked periodically, not a real-time feed.
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