Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 2:21 am
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I agree that the Jupiter 582 is a good tuba, especially for the money. The sound is a little thin for my taste, but it plays easily and with decent intonation. No question that it plays better, sounds better, and is better made than a St. Pete. Even so, he mentioned convertable Jupiters, which leaves the 582 out. I would stay away from convertable Jupiter tubas as an all around instrument.
If looking for a good rotary for less than $4k either the Cerveny 686 or VMI 2103 are decent horns for around $3k new. You can often find good condition used Meinl-Weston model 25s or Miraphone 186s in your price range too. Personally, I would go for a King 2341.