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EEfers.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 2:28 pm
by thedeep42
so I've decided to go to grad school in Britain (wales). Along with paying international student rates I also face the fact that I am going to need a decent compensating Eb tuba. Looks are not important, playability is, also... I need one in lacquer with the standard (American I suppose) large mouthpiece shank (unless kelly makes something to fit the old shanks) So... I need to know a couple of things...

A. (from the brits) what can i expect to pay to buy an old horn off someone in britain? say I find a band looking to sell and restock or whatever... tell me in pounds, i'm getting used to them.

B. (everyone/north america) I know besson/boosey/yamaha and about everyone else making tubas today makes an Eb. I know most of those.. But I am looking at the older market and I never know what i might come across in looking in stores.. what are some brands from the days of yore i should look for and what (if any) should I avoid.

C. I'm in western canada.. What used instrument dealers should I contact up in montreal/vancouver/toronto or seattle/denver... whatever?

D. Do YOU have a lacquer brass compensating Eb in the $2000ish (more is ok, lesser is better!) price range? let me know!

This is rather last minute unfortunately, i'm leaving to spend the summer over there as of June 21. i know i could probably borrow one from someone over there but i'm concerned about managing my time and don't wnat to be committed to something i don't have time for only for the sake of a horn!

thanks!

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 2:47 pm
by AndyCat
i know of 2 982's for sale at the moment, both very near me. One is about £1400, the other about £1550. Both available now with original hard cases. Any good?

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 5:41 pm
by joshwirt
I think Andy's suggestion sounds pretty good. During the year I lived in Manchester, I never saw an EEb for under £2K. Given today's exchange rate, 1500 quid is not a bad price for a used 982.

You are probably better off buying one there since you'll have more to choose from and you'll be able to spend some time on it.

Good luck to you in Wales!!

-Josh

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 6:29 pm
by Wyvern
Those 982 that Andy knows for sale sound good value, unless they are really beat-up. 1970's B&H Imperials with 15" bell regularly sell for around £1,000.

Also, worth contacting Mark Carter at Mr.Tuba ( Mrtuba2@aol.com ) and see what he has to offer.

If you are looking for an older compensated EEb, then nothing other than a B&H Imperial, or Besson Sovereign is seriously worth considering.

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:08 pm
by IOS