TubeNet

I have recently been trialling a HBS290 /HB2 (thanks for helping with identifying the model!), and I really like all aspects of the tuba. However, I feel that the asking price is too high and I need to try and find some other options.

Unfortunately, in my part of the world, options are few and far between, so I would love to hear from anyone who can recommend tubas similar to the HB2, both in sound and size.

If anyone has playing experience with a HB2 and other tubas that they regard as an equal or comparable horn, please tell me about it!

Thanks,

Andy

Easiest to lay all the cards on the table -- what is the asking price? What would be the most you want to spend on it?

It's possible that it is priced right for what it is (keeping in mind the Australia/rare upcharge). On Tubenet, it seems like the median price for an HB is around $8,000, but can be as high as $10,000 or as low as $6,000 depending on other factors.

Worst case, make the seller an offer. If you're ready to walk anyway, you have nothing to lose.

'Asking' price is $16000 - but I don't think the seller really wants to sell the horn, unless someone is willing to pay a premium.

Taking into account the Aust/rare upcharge, the condition of the instrument and other sales I have seen on Tubenet this still seems way too high.

I am looking to spend around $12000, and it seems that can buy some amazing instruments new or used including freight to Aus - only problem is I can't try them first... That will cost about $3000 (to go to LA for a few days, for example), which puts a significant dent in the budget.

assuming your $16000 figure is in AU$, that's well above the highest end of the range mentioned---roughly US$15000. your $12000 budget is over US$11,200 (according to the exchange site I just looked at). That's still above the high end of the range mentioned. If that includes shipping, customs, any VAT, and a tuba in nearly perfect condition, the AU$12000 might be worth it. That's a good chunk of money, no matter what.

Are you solid on wanting a HB? Or, do you simply want a tuba in that category of size, valves, etc? A trip to the States may be well worth it for you, to find something less expensive but still fitting your needs.

Willson 3050 prices are usually below the price quoted for a Hirsbrunner. They produce a similar sound and are very good horns. But, are they available, there? They are seen more frequently, here, on Tubenet then HB2 sales are seen.

Not sold on the HB, just like the size, sound and horn design. What else should I be looking at which is a close match to the HB in these ways?
My concern is that I put up the $3000 to travel and try horns, and still dont find anything close to what I am looking for... Who would have the best options available? Horn Guys? Dillon? anyone else??

For what it's worth when I was looking for new horn I went to the Horn Guys. They have a really nice selection on hand to demo. I went in thinking I was going to buy one horn and walked out with another. If your not set on a particular horn then they might be able to help you.

Good luck!

I recently sold a tuba and shipped it to Australia. The total cost was almost $1000 using UPS freight. Shipping, duties and taxes. UPS requires the tuba to be palletized. The initial UPS quote was around $500 and the rest was duties, taxes and an unloading fee. It was It was a pain in the butt.

Thats about right - $1000 shipping and duty.

Definitley makes economic sense to bring in from the USA - just have to hope I get the right horn, since I cannot test out.

Thats pretty much it, Bloke - but we are more Pacific than Indian, especially here on the east coast...

So the big question is:

I am thinking the Miraphone Bruckner might be the way to go - but how big is this horn???

I have played a PT6 and do not want a tuba that size at the moment.
The HB2 was a good size, and I would be happy with something this size or a little larger. Has anyone one out there played these tubas, and can they tell me how they compare size wise?

At A$16,000 it clear that the seller either doesn't want to actually sell, or is seriously misguided as to the worth of his tuba.

Are you looking for a rotary horn, or do you also like pistons? The HB2P is a great tuba, particularly if you can find an earlier one in good condition. If I had your budget and was looking for a 4/4 CC tuba I'd seriously consider one of those, and I reckon you could find a good one online and land it here in Australia for your budget.

I would consider flying to the USA and bringing the tuba back with you. If you're not there for too long you could have the tuba as your only bag, so flying home would cost you little in over-size/over-weight baggage, and you would avoid the costs involved in customs clearance and GST. That saving would pretty much pay for your ticket.

Someone above gave you good advice, talk to one of the pros here

Hi Cameron,
The seller isn't keen to sell, as you can tell from the price.

I am not overly fussed with piston or rotary, have played both in the past.

Steve (SSO) recommended the Bruckner, I had some lessons with Steve many years ago and think(hope!) he would point me in the right direction.

I am restricted somewhat with travelling at the moment, hence having a look at what I can find online etc...

Hi Andy,

I have a HB2 (that my workplace owns) at my regular diposal. It has a fabulous sound and I have used it for everything from brass quintet, pit work, & wind band to full symphony orchestra. It does have a couple of quirks that have always bothered me - low A, Ab & G are not great to slot. Mouthpiece selection does help a lot but I still never feel 100% comfortable in this area on this horn. There is another HB2 here in Adelaide also that's an older vintage (early 90's) that plays basically the same. Would I buy one? Yes, but it would have to be at a great price. Many people talk highly of the HB2P, and there are a couple in the country I am aware of on the eastern side. Never played one but would love to ....

A friend of mine has a 3/4 Rudolf Meinl CC. It's a fantastic tuba and plays way bigger than the size would suggest (similar in size to a Miraphone 186). A very versatile instrument that could (and does) cover many bases. Very similar (a whisker leaner perhaps), in my opinion, to the size of sound my HB2 puts out. Rudy's 4/4 CC's are something else to consider (played a great Rotary version once) and from what I have heard, the piston version has improved greatly.

There are many top level tubas (Rudy, Meinl Weston, Miraphone, Gronitz, Hirsbrunner etc.) here in Australia for you to ask owners about and hopefully even try. It's just a matter of talking, emailing, meeting, flying, driving etc. For me, if I was going to put serious money towards something ($10 000 ++) I would feel far more comfortable knowing that that is really what I want after doing some homework. Certainly flying overseas is something to consider if what you have decided on is not available on home soil and ensures you've got a winner. Nothing worse than spending big bucks then thinking it doesn't really float your boat...

You are more than welcome to come to Adelaide and play the CC tubas that are here. I am resonably confident I can get a HB2, PT6, Rudy 3/4, Thor & 186 in the same room.

Cheers,