TubeNet

Just travel to the Munich area.
You´ll have access to about 2/3rds of the well known German speaking manufacturers within a 3 hour drive.
I bought both my horns (used) right at M-W´s. I also know that big names go there and choose their horns. Perantucci http://www.hornboerse.de have their place within an hour´s drive from M-W and have both used and brandnew horns on stock. Further places (Miraphone, Rudy Meinl and, stretching it a bit to maybe 4 1/2, Willson) are within that 3 hour time range, so you can have a complete tour within one weekend.

Tubadad wrote:Looking for opinions, experiences, and recommendations RE play testing and buying tubas in Germany directly from the manufacturer. . . .

You can be refunded the German Mehrwertsteuer [VAT (Value Added Tax)] of 16-17% by completing an export certificate while you are there, then mailing the certificate (stamped by German customs upon leaving Germany) and sales certificate back to the retailer.

http://www.germany.info/relaunch/busine ... efund.html

However, you can count on paying import duties coming back to the US.

tubeast wrote: M-W and have both used and brandnew horns on stock. Further places (Miraphone, Rudy Meinl and, stretching it a bit to maybe 4 1/2, Willson) are within that 3 hour time range

Nirschl's right there, too.

Ummm.... He can buy my PT6 if he wants it.

I live in germany, bought all my german tubas (B&S, Melton, Mirafone) in the states because they are less expensive there, even without VAT.

tuba kitchen wrote:I live in germany, bought all my german tubas (B&S, Melton, Mirafone) in the states because they are less expensive there, even without VAT.

Uh, not if you have to go through Custom Music.