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.
Other tuba models reviewed
Each of these is assessed on the same basis — documented specifications and market positioning, not hands-on playing tests.
- Conn 12J Tuba Conn
- Cool Wind CTU-200 Tuba Cool Wind
- Levante LV-BT5705 Bb Tuba Levante
The Best Beginner Tubas
How this model compares against the alternatives, and which one suits which player.
Where to buy
Prices and availability are checked periodically, not a real-time feed.
All links above are affiliate links — see full disclosure below.