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Can anyone tell me how St. Petersburg CC are to play, any issues with them, and what other models do they follow/copy if any? I have a student looking for a good quality CC horn, looking to spend up to about 5000 now, but something that will last him into college. I thought I'd see what is out there, and what people think before telling him if he should wait to have enough to spend between 6-8 grand for something similar to a Miraphone 1291. Thanks.

Well, I am prejudiced about them because I own one and am trying to sell one. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=42437

But I will say that they have good enough intonation, sound and response for me as a professional, so I certainly think that they would be acceptable for a college student. Dave Zerkel recommended these horns for a 'college student on a budget' a while back.

New at Tuba Exchange w/no case = $4,395.00.

Mine, like new, 2 1/2 years old and with a like new Cronkhite gig bag = $3,500.00.

I love the sound and response. Intonation is good and speaks well in all ranges. Fit and finish is not like a European horn darn nice otherwise.

I would classify myself as a serious amateur. I recommend the St. Pete CC. I have owned and played both the BBb and CC instruments, and just recently sold my CC after having played it in earnest for about two years. I sold it only because I had two 4/4 CC instruments. The St. Pete was actually the better-playing of the two, but sentimental attachment with the other horn - won't bore you with the details.

Notes centered well throughout the entire range. No acoustically "dead" notes. Tuning was good - no slide pulling to speak of was required - F under the first line could be played in tune with the 5th valve. Sometimes G with the fourth valve.

The horn's biggest attribute might be its only detraction. The tone was pretty focused, and one could put a ton of sound into a hall with little effort. Consquently, one had to pull back significantly on soft passages.

Craftsmanship was good. Not as well-made as a German horn, but better than a Chinese instrument. I have also owned and played Cervenys, and I would put the St. Pete at par with a Cerveny instrument from the standpoint of quality.

In summary a very good tuba for the money, in my humble opinion.