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Renting of tubas is usually very difficult. Due to the size and inherent proclivity for them to be damaged, most shops do not rent horns.

My suggestion would be to contact the director of the community band and let him know you do not have an instrument. He might have access to on or someone in the group might (especially if they are a band director).

Your other option could be to call wither Dillon's or Baltimore Brass, which are both kinda close, in relative terms, and see if they have any playable cheap used horns. You could buy one and if things don't work out you should be able to sell at little or no loss of money. This would be better than renting if funds allow. You would also have something to trade in if you decided later to upgrade.

FWIW, I have heard of a place in Florida once renting tubas. The price, from several years ago, was not that great. In fact you could liken that price to a cheap car payment. If any place were to rent a tuba, they would almost have to charge at least $100 for a cheap used tuba to cover costs. For about a years worth of that, you could get a decent used 3-valve horn to get you started.

Good luck and welcome back.

I have to agree with Matt. Renting a tuba may not be a good idea, and could be difficult to do, as well. If coming up with the money is the problem, try local school band programs(band directors, etc.). If you are unsure whether or not to invest the money, I would recommend that you go ahead and pull the trigger. If you decide later to give up the idea, you can most likely sell the instrument on Ebay or on the TubeNet. There are a number of people on here who "collect" instruments. Your total cost will probably be less than it would cost to rent, and you might even turn a small profit.

Just go for it! So many people are going back to playing their instrument. What have you got to lose?

I am from South Jersey, just across the river from Philly. As a band director, I have tried in the past to rent a tuba, but no one will even consider doing so. My advice is the same as Matt and Ray--get a decent playing,BRAND NAME, used horn and try it. If you want to upgrade, you will not take any (or much of a) beating when you go to sell it. Note that I said BRAND NAME---if you get a Chinese POC, all bets are off as to you getting your investment back! I'd suggest taking a trip to Baltimore Brass or Dillon's after first calling or visiting their respective websites---they are great folks to deal with.
BTW--what community band are you considering joining? There are some really good ones in the area.

PhilW. wrote:My advice to you would be to try and see if you can rent a horn from a high school. They should have one or two beat up horns that play ok, but can be rented to you for about one hundred.

No, Phil, that's not an option! Can you even imagine the trouble a director will get into if he tries to charge a person not from that school for the use of the tuba? He would have to do it strictly off the books with his career to lose for a lousy few bucks. Few people are that dumb! Buy a horn, do it clean!