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Hello -

I am a high school band director (and a tuba player). We need to purchase a tuba thanks to a larger than usual enrollment of tuba players (a good problem to have!) 10-15 years ago, we bought a couple of VMI 2103's. These have been great horns for us.

So I went online to the usual companies we deal with - Woodwind/Brasswind, Interstate Music, Washington Music - and nobody is selling VMI's. Is the company out of business? Bought out and renamed?

Most importantly, what is a good 4-valve BBb horn that we can get in the $3000 - 4000 range? (Personally, I'm not a fan of Jupiter.)

Thanks so much!

Mike

Tubarush wrote: Most importantly, what is a good 4-valve BBb horn that we can get in the $3000 - 4000 range? (Personally, I'm not a fan of Jupiter.)

Does your school district have a problem with buying used? There are sponsors here on TubeNet who could offer you a fine quality used/rebuilt/refurbished horn in or close to your price range.

St. Petersburg 202 BBb maybe?

http://www.tubaexchange.com/st-petersbu ... -model-202" target="_blank

VMI was always part of B&S, and about 90% the same instruments (minor differences). After the various mergers and combinations of companies, VMI as a separate brand doesn't exist anymore. The B&S PT-1 (I think) is the current version of that tuba.

I've always thought it was a bold and trusting move to have rotary tubas in a public school. Something like a King 2341 seems like it would stand up to the use and abuse a bit better, plus they are actually quite nice tubas!

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=61646" target="_blank
I played this my last two years in high school. Fantastic horn! Very clear, and very good intonation.

Hello Mike- I can tell you that the VMI horns are still made under the brand of B&S now. They are all available (103, 3103) and they are excellent horns. The real deal for me today is the B&S GR51 which is actually less expensive than the VMI horns and is an awesome 4/4. It was decided to drop the VMI designation as the brand stopped there with those models and the B&S of course is much stronger and leads to other models. If you like I can give you a lot more details, just PM me.

The Horn Guys - a sponsor here - has a Holton 346 (re-badged Yamaha 321) 4V upright BBb in excellent condition, recently reduced to below $3000 with a case. Good size, good sound, good intonation - very much a solid band tuba. I have played this particular horn (although I'm not a BBb player)and I felt that it lacked nothing. At its current price it may be the best value available from an actual store.

I have played the Holton/Yamaha horn for two years now and can recommend it highly for a high school student. It has excellent intonation and produces a very nice sound when played. The range of the horn will be more than enough for a very good high school band. A good simple choice and not a bank-breaker either!

Stryk wrote:St. Petersburg are great school tubas - but so is a refurbished Mirafone 186. From what I have seen, the St. Pete is harder to damage, however.

I remember reading not too positive reviews of the St. Pete some time ago....have they improved them?

GR-51 all the way. Thor bugle with BBb plumbing and a facile, gorgeous-sounding instrument!

J.c.S.