TubeNet

Does anyone know of any place within driving distance of middle TN where I could go try out different horns? Now that woodwind brasswind closed their store I don't know where else I can go with that kind of a selection.

I don't know of anywhere near you but if you don't mind driving for a few hours perhaps Baltimore Brass would be a place to try out some horns.

I am seriously out of the loop, when did WWBW close up the brick and mortar shop?

fairweathertuba wrote: I am seriously out of the loop, when did WWBW close up the brick and mortar shop?

September 30, 2011. http://www.wwbw.com/WWBW---Retail-Store-g20119t0.wwbw Baltimore Brass is really far out of the way from Nashville, but it maybe one of my only options.

You are east of the Mississippi already, just go for it! If you were in St. Louis MO. I'd definitely say just forget about it and order a horn from Sears & Roebuck. While your at it; might as well get yourself a buggy whip and Winchester lever action, maybe a corset for the Mrs.

No, but seriously it does seem as if there are nill, nada, zilcho places to go and try a horn if you are in the bible belt or mid-west.

I was trying out horns at Dillon Music in New Jersey a few months ago.

You have 2 options: travel somewhere (Dillon's, Baltimore, Ferguson, Tuba Exchange) or find as many people within whatever distance you don't mind driving several times, and try individual's horns--of course, paying them with a meal or some beverage.

Lee Stofer in Davenport has a few things in stock, it seems. Dick Barth seems to be in Elkhart, with the Gemeinhardt tubas. That's not outrageous. Maybe you could try out the Yorks while you're near Chicago...

Check with Tuba Exchange before your go. I was there a few months ago to get an adjustment made to my St. Pete and blew a lot of horns while there, but at that time other than a Miraphone 186 all they had on display were St. Petersburgs and their Chinese made Tuba Exchange brand names. There were a couple their brand name horns I really like the sound out of, but the Miraphone was the only one not made in China (other than a used CC that I didn't try). I will say I have been very happy with every contact I have had with Tuba Exchange and can't say enough about Mike, their repair guy, who made an adjustment on my horn. Good luck finding what you want. Definitely try before you buy if you can. That said, I like the sound I get with St. Pete which was bought with out doing so. The St. Pete does sing with a Blokepiece.