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Been looking for months for a decent BBb tuba on ebay. For now I am borrowing a full sized Dynasty that is not bad but am interested in buying one that is as good or better. I understand condition issues but I am not familiar with brands and models that would be decent. Would like better than a student model but can't go full blown professional. Would like anyone perusing ebay or the like to help me find a tuba that fits my needs.

Note, I am new to this blog so forgive me if this post is inappropriate. Please don't bash anyone's suggestions. We all have a right to our opinion.

Thanks for any help

I find that it is a lot easier to start with a ballpark amount that you wouldn't mind spending, then you will likely have options.

The King 1241/2341 tubas (new, old, tall, short, bellfront or up) are good. Dan Schultz always seems to have one or two for sale. If he still has one, they are a deal on his village tinker website.

petepuma wrote:Please don't bash anyone's suggestions. We all have a right to our opinion.

And we all have some opinions, all of them with a certain validity. If you really could add up all the opinions out there, do you think there would be a BBb tuba out there that no one likes?

If you want something as good or better than the one you've been playing, by far the most reliable strategy would be to look at everything available in your geographic area.

Tabor wrote:I find that it is a lot easier to start with a ballpark amount that you wouldn't mind spending, then you will likely have options.

This is the biggest thing that can help us help you. Descriptions of money vary from person to person, and if you have $500 that's a lot different than $2000. I once talked to someone who said they didn't have a lot to spend, only $8,000. (Clearly not the norm).

Anyway, I think you'll be able to find something decent for a fair price here.

Of course the budget is tight. I was hoping to stay under $2000 but realize that may not get me much. I am willing to stretch this if the horn is good and it has a chance of holding its value. I see things that are in my price range but never sure if it is a good buy. As you can imagine, I am looking for the best I can get. I am in Western PA.

Thank you all for your posts so far.

Tabor wrote: The King 1241/2341 tubas (new, old, tall, short, bellfront or up) are good. Dan Schultz always seems to have one or two for sale. If he still has one, they are a deal on his village tinker website.

The 2340 3v is the same horn minus the 4th valve. It is up to you if that really matters. The 4th valve is very good for the lowest notes but generally isn't used much above BBb. A good 2340 can be as low as $500-750 and as high as $2000. If you can afford $2000, I'd look for the 2341 4v. However, if $1000 is more practical for you, don't rule out the 2340 because it doesn't have the 4th valve. Both instruments are easy to play in tune and have good intonation.

Who needs 4 valves? King 2340 old style

http://m.ebay.com/itm/321949904447" target="_blank

Also, where are you located?

I have a Mack Brass TU200 and it meets my needs perfectly. There is a Lacquer and Silver version listed in the for sale section. This is a link to the Lacquer. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=68575&p=563958&hili ... 00#p563958" target="_blank

Thanks all of you for your help. I came to realize that I should wait a little longer in order to save enough for a new horn. I have someone close here that knows about tubas and he thought your advice was honest. He also thought that the offers given were quite good. I really appreciate that and will repost when I've saved enough. Thanks.