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Any opinions on what a fair bottom-line sale price would be on this Hirsbrunner BBb?
There's a lot of issues with the plating, and the thumb ring is not original. Otherwise it plays well.

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While I have played a very large number of Hirsbrunner tubas (but never purchased one because none of the ones I played ever really set me on fire), I always wished that I had the opportunity to own one. For what it's worth, I think the Hirsbrunner tubas are some of the best constructed tubas there are. Hirsbrunner is second to none in build quality from what I've seen. These things are flat gorgeous when new! That said, this one you're looking at is used and shows wear and tear. Ultimately, only you can decide on a fair price because only you will know how well this instrument fits you. I would compare prices of similar tubas (make sure you get a good cross section of brands, both new and used) and then decide what you're willing to pay. If the seller is asking more than that number, maybe you don't really want this horn. I know that some folks will buy a horn based mostly on the appearance. I never do this. I always play the horn first because for me, a tuba has to perform well in my hands (really well!) for it to be of any use to me. I don't collect horns, I use them.

Oh, I dunno... between $7,000 and $8,000?

If the only issues are the ugly thumb ring and the plating wear, those are extremely minor issues. Hirsbrunner tubas are hand made in Switzerland, and are extremely well-made -- high end stuff. This does not *appear* to be in particularly rough shape. Just the opposite, it looks like a tuba that has seen a lot of use, mostly likely because it's a good horn. From the outside, just seems like it might need some routine maintenance (cleaning, alignment, check the linkages), but could be good to go.

I can't quite tell, but it looks like the bell and bottom bow might have previously been off (all of the attachment points to the bell have marks on them). That's not necessarily an automatic red flag, but I'd want to know who did that work, so I can trust it was done and put back together properly. Or, maybe I'm wrong altogether and those marks are from other things.

Take my opinions for what they're worth -- others will either laugh at this, agree with it, or likewise toss their hands in the air and say "it depends!"

Having seen many HB21's in super condition go for $8000.............

Maybe $4500-$5000?

Just an opinion from someone who still can't wrap their head around the fact that new Thors cost $14,000.