TubeNet

Prices for European tubas have jumped significantly in 2008, because of inflation, increases in materials costs, and also the drop of the US dollar compared to the Euro. Dealers may still have tubas in stock that they bought at 2007 prices, but as these are sold and replaced by more recent purchases, you'll see prices climb even more. You mentioned you're looking for a used tuba, but used prices are also affected by the prices of new tubas, so if you're looking for a tuba now, the sooner you can buy it, the better.

SF

1291/2's have had a price bump fairly recently but Miraphone will adjust their price as they ship them, I believe. MW has been setting the price of their horns on an annual schedule from what I know, but if the dollar / euro relationship gets too far out of whack they may adjust the prices mid-year. Steve Ferguson is correct in describing horns in dealer inventory bought at older wholesale prices being more affordable than one bought at newer wholesale prices, but I don't think any of those horns still exist for the models described.

The Elephant is right when he said the horn was cheaper last month - it's not like new cars, when dealers are trying to clear inventories or make quotas. New horn prices almost ALWAYS go up (I don't recall the last time there was a price DECREASE) and almost ALWAYS depreciate the second you take ownership of the horn. If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck look at used horns, and if you REALLY have to have that "new horn smell" set aside a few hundred for a good chemical cleaning, minor dent work, felts, corks, etc. There are several 1291's and a Thor for sale used right now, and I'd be looking at those first before I started looking at new horns (strictly from a fiscal standpoint).