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The St. Pete Eb rocks as does the Cerveny 653 F. I've not played the Cerveny Eb ('s?), but the reviews do not inspire much confidence if you want a rotay Eb tuba that can play it's entire range.
The Star Lite also rocks, though I will readily admit that it (pretty much only obtainable new) is rather expensive. As cool as it is, I would have to have a long sitdown with it and the Cerveny 653 and 654.

Assuming he already plays Bb and Eb, F would be an easy pickup. If he plays Bb F would make a better contrast. And, in contrast to what I just wrote , I think the 653 can be a very decent only tuba if he wants to play only 1 horn. I've played the 653/5 and play a slightly smaller Eb every single day. The 653 has a big fat tone, and extrapolating that against my smaller Eb's success in concert band and especially brass quintet and small ensemble I think it'd be a fine choice.

I wouldn't pick a small bass tuba if I were the only tuba in a large concert band, but I have done just that (played, not picked to play ). Maybe not a 6/4 sound, but it is SOOO much fun. Bob likes being unleashed.

In the same price range, an older Besson/... 19" bell 3+1 comp Eb or one of the clones might be a nice choice if one desires a bigger bass tuba.

Then the St. Pete is a nice horn, though I would urge him to try out the Besson Eb copy if possible. I wouldn't think it would be any worse than the St. Pete,especially given the reviews of the Besson copy.
A Yamaha 321/381 might also be worth looking for.

I had the opportunity to play the St Petersburgs (Bb, CC and Eb) a few times.
I liked the CC the most, very good value for the money. I liked the Eb as well (better than the Bb): very easy player, nice open sound, consistent through the register and the 5th valve is a great help, if you are used to that feature. I would not hesitate to buy it. You have to take into account that the material is rather light/thin (but that is the same with Czech instruments) and that the lacker is not as good as that of a German instrument.
Nickel????? Yes it probably will last long, but ugly and old fashioned, is not it?

Hubert

hubert wrote: Nickel????? Yes it probably will last long, but ugly and old fashioned, is not it?

Hubert

You know, I've always had problems with the longevity of nickel plating. I find that regular lacquer seems to last longer. Now, that could just be me or it could have to deal with the product. The nickel plated St. Pete 202n I owned several years ago has a TON of wear on the plating in only 6 months. Of course, that could just be the quality of the plating.

I actually think that Nickel looks great if it can be maintained....I just can't use it because of being allergic to it.

HI-
Buy the M&M 'Fletcher' Besson 981 clone--amazing horn--even more amazing price--horn plays itself.
Regards-
mark

I have a St Pete nickel plated bell on my detachable bell 186 to go with its original recording bell. I had the same concerns, especially since my body chemistry tends to corrode nickel. But the nickel plating on the St Pete bell has held up very well, and polishes right out to a good shine. If I had the spare $$ right now, I'd get a St Pete Eb and consider making the switch myself.

Hi-
He chose wisely...
mark