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Paul, I played a Cerveny 653/5 a few weeks ago that was one of THE best tubas I have ever played- big fat sound, felt great to play, great intonation, awesome low end,...

The one thing I didn't like about that isn't an easy fix is that the way the 5th valve and leadpipe are make putzing with the 1st slide confusing at least (4 valve version has the regular rotary tuba leadpipe). If I were to order one, I would try to get it with either a regular leadpipe so I can reach the 1st slide through the body OR get the 5th AFTER the main slide (even better low register?) to un-crowd that area. On the other hand, I don't remember ANY bad pitches. 8th partial F -seemed- a bit off but that could be a combination of a tiny practice room and my Eb embouchure playing high on an F tuba.
Middle-bass-clef-C was fine open.

New is like 3500, and there is at least one on here for maybe 3000 (not sure), and I know of another one that might be doable for 2500.

I was really surprised at what a big sound it had, and everything about it was really just great. If you got one and you some day wanted a bigger bass tuba, you could still keep this one though!

It also played much easier than the 181's, Firebirds', and 45SLP's I have played (perhaps a few other models? I dunno, as I spent all summer frying my brain in the south). To get a bass tuba that plays this easily you'd have to get an Eb or a Yamaha F.


On the other hand, that 45SLP could seriously scare people on low Aish and the 653 couldn't quite do it (I spent like half an hour alternating between honking low A's and G's on the 45SLP and giggling!).

While many players may split hairs over the different tonal characteristics of various F tubas, let me offer you this simple advice in your quest:
Find one that plays in tune. This is not necessarily as easy as it sounds.
If you find the "magic sound" F tuba, but have to do all sorts of contortions and extreme slide pulling to play it in tune, where is the magic then?
If you are not familiar with F tubas, spend some time trying before you buy.
Yeah, something around the low D-Db-C-B-Bb may feel a little different - you can learn to adjust to that (Bloke and I have posted exercises on that previously.)
But,
Go up and down the horn with a tuner. Notes are close? You can learn to play them in tune. You may find that some of the notes are far from close - even on many "reputable" F tuba models. Put the horn down. You will only end up frustrated in the long run.

I got lucky when I first started F tuba - Don Harry turned me on to the brand new and hot YFB 621. The first "push buttons and blow" F tuba. While the sound may not have been quite as "interesting" (although the original models were supposedly a little better in that regard) I was able to focus on the music I was playing instead of fighting the horn. My later 6 valve Cerveny had enough combinations and a very useful quint valve to fix low register and problem notes (still needed a few creative alternates, but they became second nature after a while), and my current horn plays close enough that I can play standing and not pull any slides, if necessary.

One more thought - you say you want a bigger F? Have you considered the Norwegian Star Eb instead?

I have to agree with Bob and talk up the Cerveny 653 5.

Get it. You will not be disappointed. It is point and shoot, beautiful sound and inexpensive.

I was thinking of selling mine because I HAD to pay some bills....but I found a way to get around it and keep the horn...it is just too good to give up. I knew I'd just end up buying another one if I sold it so I wanted to keep it.

AND you can get it in Silver or that Red or Rose brass (whatever it is).

I LOVE the horn....I'll get another F someday.....or Eb....but ONLY as a larger alternative. I will always keep this little F!