Advice for college students on buying tubas...

[k001k47]

Well, it looked like it was getting sticky there, but then it got a little slippery, and now who knows?

I don't understand this post.

I understand your misunderstanding, and apologize in advance for misunderstanding your post.

Is this some sort of theological thing that (as I've heard men-in-robes say, just before it was time for the gig to end) "passes all understanding" ?

........

hohohoho robed man standing under a tuba

[TubaRay]

(writers...that's the proper insurance terminology right???)

Actually, I believe the term is "rider."

[Rick Denney]

A person could buy a five-valve Miraphone 186 in C, from maybe 30 or 40 years ago, in decent enough condition for under $3000-4000, and play the entire literature on it. Lots of guys still earn their keep on such instruments.

I recommend the rental plan rather than borrowing the money: Pay the security deposit, and it will be returned when the instrument is returned without damage. Rent is free, now and in the future.

The security deposit is, of course, $3000-4000. And the "rental agreement" is also known as a bill of sale. The return is when the instrument is sold to fund the purchase of something more appropriate. It is not impossible that the security deposit could grow a bit.

Personally, I think most college kids who think they need a $20,000 tuba to be competitive need to just be told no. Those who really have potential to take advantage of such an instrument 1.) will win auditions without them, and 2.) will glow so brightly that people will work hard to get them what they need. Those who don't could live a happy life with that 186, at least until they reach the point where they can spend their own money.

Rick "who spends his own money" Denney

[tclements]

Hate to be a naysayer, but when I've been willing to take payments, I always got screwed and felt like the bad guy. SO, if you can seperate business from the other relationship, it is best to go from here:

Here's the horn.
Give me money (which may, or may not be negotiated).
You take horn.

Simple, business-like, no hassles.

Tony "who USED to be a good guy" Clements

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Personally, I think most college kids who think they need a $20,000 tuba to be competitive need to just be told no. Those who really have potential to take advantage of such an instrument 1.) will win auditions without them, and 2.) will glow so brightly that people will work hard to get them what they need. Those who don't could live a happy life with that 186, at least until they reach the point where they can spend their own money.

Thank you, thank you...no, really...THANK YOU!

I'll tack on the tidbit that almost no college students realize how destructive that extra debt can/will be.

[SousaSaver]

Thanks to all for the correction on the insurance term. I am not an insurance salesman, I have just heard the term thrown around.

I never paid for a Tuba by financing it, I bought mine through hard work and the willingness to restore something that needed LOTS of work. After hearing the argument against financing through a bank, I agree that it isn't the best way to go.

Thanks for letting me know!