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I'm currently a sophomore at a college with no music program and virtually 0 music culture and because of this the tubas available on campus are little kindergarten no name Walmart horns. I'm transferring schools and preparing for an audition in February but I don't own a BBb tuba, and the one at the school is not going to cut it for the audition, it is horrible trying to practice on this thing. I need one as soon as possible so I cant practice my audition material on it and really be comfortable with the horn. I've been looking to try and rent one but so few places rent horns I don't know what to do. I can't afford to buy a BBb now only to have to buy a CC tuba later on if I get into the school. I need advice because this whole situation is driving me crazy. I need a quality 4 valve BBb full sized which is apparently impossible to find.
Edit: I am located in Northern New Jersey, hovering back and forth between Morris and Essex Counties
I just want to practice

It'd be REAL helpful for people to know where you are.

Dillon Music in Woodbridge.

http://www.dillonmusic.com" target="_blank

I am applying to Eastman school of music, to double major in Music performance and Engineering. Sorry about that.

The problem with horn is that it almost cannot play some of the notes that are in the audition pieces I am practicing. The total range in all these pieces ranges from F# 1 to E4 and its almost painful to get that range (in tune) out of that horn, plus playing at a mezzo forte is more than the horn can handle already. It vibrates heavily before I can even get to a solid forte.
After some research I think this is the horn my school has http://www.conn-selmer.com/en-us/our-in ... bas/bb450/" target="_blank
it is a 3/4 3 valve, very beat up and dented, valve covers rusted shut/get stuck etc also the leadpipe has been cut so my mouthpiece wiggles around in the horn making it even harder to play.
I'm already at a disadvantage in terms of skill and I dont want the horn to hold me back more.

Thank you for your ideas. The community band thing may work. I called Dillons today and unfortunately they do not rent tubas

58mark wrote:What can you afford?

If you someone loaned you a horn, what would you use as collateral?

Only a grand or two maybe 3 but that is really pushing it. For collateral I would just offer to pay monthly to rent or something like that. I don't have much to give in terms of collateral

Tom Holtz wrote:Dillon Music in Woodbridge.

http://www.dillonmusic.com" target="_blank" target="_blank

They dont rent tubas, and their online selection of used tubas is very slim yet expensive. Idk if its any different at the store

Why four valves as the requirement?
Are you more proficient on a four valve tuba?

What college are you at and which one are you transferring to?
The way you've worded this, makes it sound like you already are going to be attending the new college in February... yet you're auditioning for what then? A spot in some studio? I don't think the judge will care what kind of horn you show up with, just as long as you can play the material...

So what's wrong with the current tuba you have that is preventing you from learning the "audition"?

Not a requirement per say but it would help me a lot with the tuning issues with 1&3 and 123.
Id rather not release current details but my school has no music program, and I am attempting to transfer to Eastman/University of Rochester to double major in Music an d engineering. February is the date of my audition but if I am accepted into university of rochester I will already be attending there. The eastman application is for the fall. It is very confusing I know I'm sorry.
The problem with horn is that it almost cannot play some of the notes that are in the audition pieces I am practicing. The total range in all these pieces ranges from F# 1 to E4 and its almost painful to get that range (in tune) out of that horn, plus playing at a mezzo forte is more than the horn can handle already. It vibrates heavily before I can even get to a solid forte.
After some research I think this is the horn my school has http://www.conn-selmer.com/en-us/our-in" target="_blank ... bas/bb450/
it is a 3/4 3 valve, very beat up and dented, valve covers rusted shut/get stuck etc also the leadpipe has been cut so my mouthpiece wiggles around in the horn making it even harder to play.
I'm already at a disadvantage in terms of skill and I dont want the horn to hold me back more.

Asperkins96 wrote: Only a grand or two maybe 3 but that is really pushing it. For collateral I would just offer to pay monthly to rent or something like that. I don't have much to give in terms of collateral

Sounds like you could buy one of the model 410 5 valve CC tubas that are similar to a 186 but have a more solid FFF.

MartyNeilan wrote:

Asperkins96 wrote: Only a grand or two maybe 3 but that is really pushing it. For collateral I would just offer to pay monthly to rent or something like that. I don't have much to give in terms of collateral

Sounds like you could buy one of the model 410 5 valve CC tubas that are similar to a 186 but have a more solid FFF.

Exactly. Or if you want a BBb, try this: http://www.mackbrass.com/4_BBb_Tuba_5ROU.php

Contact me. I am also in northern NJ and have a few tubas and sousaphones in your price range that you could try.

WeskrygsmanATgmailDOTcom

I have a Mack Brass 200S BBb tuba for sale. It's a great tuba and it might serve your needs. PM me if you're interested.

Asperkins96 wrote: I'm already at a disadvantage in terms of skill and I dont want the horn to hold me back more.

Paging bloke, ArnoldGottlieb, et al.