TubeNet

Howdy, all. I'm looking to buy a CC tuba sometime later this year, but haven't had many opportunities to try instruments out, so I'm not sure what sort of tuba I should buy. So, instead of taking the myriad advice of the TubeNet community on this topic (which is certainly not to say I've discounted it; I just want to see for myself), I've decided to embark on a smallish tour of tuba dispensaries in the general Midwest area. I live near Chicago and don't want to spend a fortune in gas, so I want to stick to this state and those bordering it, unless there's a definite "must-see" a little out of the way.

So my question is half logistics, half etiquette. Firstly, where should I go? I don't have a whole lot of experience with shops and such, so I honestly don't know what's around. And, on the other side of the coin, how does one go about approaching the owners of said outlets? Other than the obvious politeness/respect rules of thumb, is there anything in the etiquette department that's peculiar to this sort of visit?

Thanks in advance for your help. It's really great to have a pool of experienced folks to consult about these things.

-Tim

3 words for you: Call Roger Lewis

Schedule a time with him, and tell him what you're looking for and your budget. He's a pro and a hell of a good person, and he'll help you find a tuba that's good for you. Bring your mouthpieces, music, and a friend to listen "out front." Expect a long, fun day.

Sonorous Lon wrote:

bort wrote:3 words for you: Call Roger Lewis

Schedule a time with him, and tell him what you're looking for and your budget. He's a pro and a hell of a good person, and he'll help you find a tuba that's good for you. Bring your mouthpieces, music, and a friend to listen "out front." Expect a long, fun day.

DITTO!

What he said!

Don't completely write off Custom Music in Ferndale, suburban Detroit. Jeff and Neil certainly know their stuff too, and the instruments are among the best anywhere. They and Roger will both be totally upfront with you. Also, take a trip to see Sam Gnagey in Fort Wayne. His Gnageyphones may not have the mirror finish of a Yamaha or Hirsbrunner, but you can bet they play just fine. Looks are totally overrated.

Etiquette? Make arrangements with the dealer ahead of time, so they know what you're after and can be sure they'll have the sorts of things you're looking for. Not every dealer can have every model in multiples in stock all the time.
Take a couple of mouthpieces if you are comfortable with more than one. DIfferent instruments will respond differently to different styles of mouthpiece.

Required: Play "Ride of the Valkyries" as loudly as possible on every single instrument, for at least 10 minutes. And, be sure to eat chocolate and drink a Coke right before you start testing horns.

Oh, wait, you're not going to an Elephant Room. Never mind that last paragraph.

Have a towel with you to wipe fingerprints, spit, oils, etc from the instruments. Ask them what oil to use, if needed, and they probably have some for the test instruments. Have a tuner, some books/sheets that you are comfortable with, and work high and low, loud and soft, lyrical and technique. A second set of ears who are familiar with your sound, and with what you are looking for/needing, is always good. A girlfriend/boyfriend is usually not that person, unless they are a skilled player who really knows your sound and style too. More than one person with you is probably not a good idea, for multiple reasons of your time and the store's time and space limitations.

If you're serious about buying, take all the time you want. If you're only sort of halfway looking around a little bit for now, don't dominate the salesman nor the instruments. Be honest with yourself and with them. If there's something that flat-out thrills you, put it aside and play other things for a bit, then go back to "the one". Better still, start by playing everything in sight, then eliminate based on whatever criteria you have. Form a pool for a second round, then a third, etc.
You may not want to buy, or have something held, right away, until you've checked out the other places. Maybe you'll be ready right then. Only you can know that, but again, be honest.

If you are looking for a new horn- wait for Midwest. They will have everything under one roof. Custom also gives good discounts if you put a down payment on a horn at Midwest. If you are lucky you might run into some "high profile" people who can help you make a better decision. I don't know what they entry fee is if you are not a student (i think it only cost me $15?), but it would be well worth every penny.

Don't forget to give a few long looks at some of the used tubas available; they represent a HUGE value over buying new.Check out the "for sale" section here on tubenet ,study some past posts re: reputable sellers of used horns. There are a lot of great horns changing hands.

scottw wrote:There are a lot of great horns changing hands.

Especially post pomp and circumstance

I think the best thing you could do is travel to the midwest (fly or driving) and hit WW&BW, TubaDome, and Custom Music. Between those three stores, there is only one model that I can see not being available to try from them (Gronitz PCM), and they are the closest stores in relevance to each other. Good luck and happy tuba hunting!

Thanks for all the advice. It's been a great help. With any luck I'll be freshly equipped in no time!

...And yes, I'll post pictures. Toot on, my friends!

-Tim