Neither type has advantages or disadvantages over the other. It is a personal choice to be made by the player. The placement of the valves may present come concern amongst players. In general, most players prefer the front action style, although depending on the manufacturer, some tubists will find themselves using the top action. Neither system is preferable over the other, although there are those who believe that the piston valve is more fussy and requires more care because it is not enclosed in the same way as the rotary valve.
Tubas offer three choices in bell design.
For those who choose one of the removable bell models, it is easy to see that one could have access to two different bells. It is generally believed that the upright bell instrument gives a warmer and more pleasing quality of sound. Again, it is a matter of personal choice and the type of playing one will be doing. Bore size is of concern, especially to the younger players. It is not unusual for youngsters to begin their study of the tuba as early as the fourth or fifth grade.