Doubts about getting a tuba

[Novicekiddo]

Sorry once again for making another thread on getting a tuba. I know i posted a thread about getting a tuba about 8 months ago, however I still have not decided and have not buy a tuba.

Recently, I talked to a professional tubist in my area. He told me to get a Meinl Weston 3450. After 3 months, I thought I really wanted to get that model since I wanted to take up a Music diploma next year. He told me the tuba was around 10k USD. But I was really suprised it was actually around 13k USD(Tuba alone) at several shops

I have checked the Horn Guys and Baltimore Brass company. The Horns Guys listed the MW 3450 @ 7256 USD while Baltimore Brass company listed it @8225 With a gig bag. After calculating whether to buy from the Horns guy, since they ship internationally. The MW 3450 costs ~9kUSD(Tuba+Gig bag+Shipping+Local Tax)

To cut the long story, I am still green in this and I hope the experts here could give me some tips on whether I should get the MW3450 The Horns Guys. I know buying from a shop would be more reliable, but I need to save up some Cash for my tuba lessons

Also could anyone tell me your views between a Altieri and Cronkhite gig bag? A band teacher of mine told me the size of the Altieri bag is quite standard. But i guess it would be better to buy the Cronkhite bag with the tuba...

Thank you All

[TMurphy]

Have you played a 3450? What other tubas have you played? Which ones did you like? Which didn't you like?

No one buys a car without a test drive, and you shouldn't buy a tuba without playing it. I don't know if you live near to any major "tuba stores" or not, but before making a $10K investment, you should really take a trip to one and try some horns. If, after you have done all of that, I see no problem with ordering from Horn Guys. I've never dealt with them, but they have a solid reputation.

As far as gig bags, I have an Altieri, and I like it a lot. Lots of people have Cronkhite bags, and they like them a whole lot. Both are good gig bags, with the Cronkhite's probably being a little more sturdy. I personally prefer top loading bags, due to an irrational fear of having the zipper on a side loader break while it's on my back, but that's just me.

[Novicekiddo]

I live in a small country where people treat arts like a joke sadly. They view of it as a waste of time. The shops here do not stock up tubas since there is a very low demand. The only tubas I have played are Yamaha 641, Meinl Weston 25 and 195(All BB flat). Currently I believe there isn't a single MW 3450 in my country.

And as to what Bloke said,

Yep, I know this would not be the last tuba I may buy in the future and I am aware of the price drop and such.

[bort]

What country? Maybe there are others near you on this list?

[Novicekiddo]

What country? Maybe there are others near you on this list?

Singapore. I doubt there will be any country nearby that stocks tubas as well.Not in this region that is...

[swillafew]

A performer or teacher will give you some help. As for the case, get one in the purchase. Matching horns and cases is hard to do from afar.

Good luck

[JCradler]

I know several low brass musicians in the SAF Band program. They are a fine bunch of people and would be a good starting point in Singapore. Perhaps you can contact them. On that side of the Pacific, Steve Rosse in Sydney is going to be a good place to start when it comes time to purchase a tuba. He has many conections in the tuba industry.
JC

[Ken Herrick]

At least arranging shipping, especially from the US would not be difficult and would not be too expensive at, probably US $500 or less. My recent imports actuall travelled via Singapore on Singapore airlines for about $500. Email or PM and I may be able to help you with contacts etc for shipping and a horn.

[Novicekiddo]

A performer or teacher will give you some help. As for the case, get one in the purchase. Matching horns and cases is hard to do from afar.

Good luck

I know several low brass musicians in the SAF Band program. They are a fine bunch of people and would be a good starting point in Singapore. Perhaps you can contact them. On that side of the Pacific, Steve Rosse in Sydney is going to be a good place to start when it comes time to purchase a tuba. He has many conections in the tuba industry.
JC

The tubist I consulted was from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

At least arranging shipping, especially from the US would not be difficult and would not be too expensive at, probably US $500 or less. My recent imports actuall travelled via Singapore on Singapore airlines for about $500. Email or PM and I may be able to help you with contacts etc for shipping and a horn.

Thanks, If I really do plan to get a tuba from The horn guys, they would ship it around 500-800 USD i guess. By DBSchenker. However, the main concern I have is. How is the reputation of The horn guys? Have anyone deal with them. There may some unforeseen circumstances by importing myself as my teacher said, may dents and some minor damage.

As for Cronkhite cases. Are they all in standard shape and design and different sizes? According to the horn guys there are many different sizes but I have never purchase one before.
http://www.hornguys.com/tubacases.php" target="_blank" target="_blank

Thanks everyone!

[Mark Horne]

Thanks, If I really do plan to get a tuba from The horn guys, they would ship it around 500-800 USD i guess. By DBSchenker. However, the main concern I have is. How is the reputation of The horn guys? Have anyone deal with them. There may some unforeseen circumstances by importing myself as my teacher said, may dents and some minor damage.

As for Cronkhite cases. Are they all in standard shape and design and different sizes? According to the horn guys there are many different sizes but I have never purchase one before.

I can vouch for the hornguys. I bought my Alexander 163 with Cronkhite gig bag through them and had an outstanding experience. Steve Ferguson and his staff are professional musicians who understand the challenges that low brass players face when if comes to trying, buying and transporting instruments. I have been to their store twice (350 miles one-way drive for me) and I believe that they stock more professional tubas than anybody else in the western US. They are located nearby the LA-area studio music scene, so I'm sure many of their customers are pros. Best of all you are treated like a musician and not just a sale.

I will also vouch for the quality of the Cronkhite gig bags - mine is a year and a half old and still looks and functions as new.

Good luck

[eupher61]

Horn Guys...top notch guys all around. Same for Baltimore Brass.

Cronkhite Bags, I'll be ordering one soon. I've not heard any complaints about them from anyone. (except, pure price, but with the follow-up comment of "well worth it". The leather is preferable to the cordura, but it's also about 20% higher priced.

[Novicekiddo]

But about the Cronkhite bag, are they all of the same design?

Also, in a case if I do wish to ship a tuba and it gets damage in the process. Who would be responsible for damages? Or its just best that I get some insurance.

[BMadsen]

But about the Cronkhite bag, are they all of the same design?

Also, in a case if I do wish to ship a tuba and it gets damage in the process. Who would be responsible for damages? Or its just best that I get some insurance.

If you look at the Hornguys site (http://www.hornguys.com/tubacases.php" target="_blank) below the basic description of the Cronkhite cases, you'll see a long list of tuba's and the case design that fits it. The name of the case is very often the same as the horn it's designed for - that tells me that he custom makes each case for each horn, generally. In addition, they provide a sizing form for a custom case if your horn is not listed. It's definitely not "one size fits all."

As for damage - you have to insure anything you ship that has any value. So many hands and machines handle it that I believe there is a fair risk of damage during shipping. Hornguys won't cover it - no business will as it is not their fault, but the shipper's fault. And I wouldn't expect them to cover it, since it didn't happen when it was in their hands. Shipper's will only cover it if it's insured, so buy their insurance. All the biggies are careful, so their insurance cost is not extreme. But, you are talking about a $9k purchase here - even if it was an extra $500 for insurance, what's ~5% of the price for peace of mind?

Altieri gig bags are also sized specifically for your tuba - when you order you have to send measurements to altieri according to their website. FWIW

[Sylvano]

I'm so glad you're asking before buying.

I'm always shocked when I hear of highschoolers (I don't know if it's the case here) buying top notch brand new instruments.
I was four years into my full time gig (Army) when I decided to buy a Rudy 5/4. In hindsight, I don't think it was a thouroughly informed decision. It wasn't a bad choice but it was based on a one day visit in Royal Oak, MI, and Ellis Wean's sound on these Montreal Symphony recordings under Dutoit. The horn served me well for 20 years until I got a gig in a small orchestra.

In today's market, I do not encourage students to buy brand new top of the line instruments. There are so many used instruments of very good quality out there. That's without counting the great deals in Chinese instruments. That wasn't the case in 1987.

I keep seeing kids auditioning for undergrad with a brand new instruments (a lot of Yamahas $5500+ YCB-621 that stores couldn't sell) and little knowledge or skills. Frankly, I'd rather see an old beat up Bb knowing they haven't re-mortgaged the family home to buy the latest M-W. Don't get me wrong, I do like the Melton products.

If you're in Singapore, consider a brand new Jin Bao. Once you have a good idea of your career path, then, buy what suits your needs and budget.

[Novicekiddo]

Ok, Thanks everyone for the help

[bort]

Another thought... if you are interested in the MW 3450, you might also want to check out the MW 2145, which would be similar but possible to find used from time to time.

Cronkhite bags are THE best, but not so comfortable to walk long distances (a mile or more). They hang a little low on your back. If you wont walk too far with it, you cant go wrong.

Good luck!

[Novicekiddo]

Another thought... if you are interested in the MW 3450, you might also want to check out the MW 2145, which would be similar but possible to find used from time to time.

Cronkhite bags are THE best, but not so comfortable to walk long distances (a mile or more). They hang a little low on your back. If you wont walk too far with it, you cant go wrong.

Good luck!

Hmm, I am still a teenager. I currently carry a MW 25 in a Protec Gig bag and. Yeah the height of the tuba affects me with the tuba hanging too low on my back. Do Altieri bags have this problem of being too low?

I am still clumsy and may tend to hit the bell of the tuba at narrow doors. I heard it may damage the tuba in Altieri bags. But on the other hand, I carry the tuba around alot.

[MartyNeilan]

Yeah the height of the tuba affects me with the tuba hanging too low on my back. Do Altieri bags have this problem of being too low?

I am still clumsy and may tend to hit the bell of the tuba at narrow doors. I heard it may damage the tuba in Altieri bags. But on the other hand, I carry the tuba around alot.

Altieri bags trend to ride higher than most other bags. Being shorter than the average tubist, I prefer them for bigger horns so that the bottom of the tuba does not keep hitting me in the back of the legs as I walk.
As far as doorways... duck!

[bort]

The Miraphone gig bags are great for doorways -- they have a rigid plastic disc on top of the bell (and about 1" of padding buffer above the bell), the idea being that any impact would be dispersed before getting to the bell. I've bumped a few doorways and subway turnstiles, and haven't noticed anything new as a result.

Only negative is that the shoulder straps aren't as comfortable as the Cronkhite. I suppose that's something I could change, but I'm lazy.

I *don't* know what sizes of non-Miraphone tubas do/don't fit in the Miraphone bags.

[Novicekiddo]

Ok thank you very much for information!

I have emailed The horns guy 2 days ago and is still waiting for their reply before making decision

Thank you