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I have a possible dilema, wondering if you guys might be able to help me out. I am going to WWBW to buy an F tuba next week, and im still up in the air about what to buy...I played the new Miraphone 281(firebird) and I REALLY liked it, although I only was able to play it for a short while. If I dont find anything I like more, I think im going to wait for that horn to go into production. Although, I am going to study in Germany for the next 2 years, and I am wondering if it is possible to buy a horn directly from the Miraphone factory in Germany. That would make it easiest for me since I will already be there. I heard that you can't just walk in there and get a tuba though. I would prefer to have a few horns to choose from. Would it also be more expensive because of the Euro/dollar exchange rate? Wondering if any of you have expirience with this. Thanks. -TubaguyJoe

Why not wait until you go to Germany to buy a F tuba, so yo don't regret later. You know they all play F tuba in Germany, and I'm sure your future teacher will have good recommendations, too. If you can't buy a tuba while in the factory, you can always write down the serial # and buy that particular tuba, I assume.

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I agree that you should ask your future teacher to see what he/she would recommend. Here are a few things to consider when buying tubas in Europe. The truth is that a place like WWBW or other large dealers are some of the best places in the world to try tubas because they have different brands and usually several of the same model. I have gone to several German/Swiss tuba factories several times and you play only what they make AND alot of times they don't even have every model they make for testing and definately not several of the same one. Because making tubas is a low volume biz, they make tubas as they have orders from clients/dealers and not to have stock on hand. Also, only at a dealer is where you can "pick" a tuba from a batch of several. Some makers will sell to you directly and others won't. You have to ask them. Also, buying a tuba if you are living in Germany or any country in the EU might be as expensive or maybe more than what it will cost in the states because of the 16% VAT (value added tax) that you will pay. It is VERY possible to buy a tuba if you don't live in the EU and either get out of paying the VAT with a form that you get stamped when you leave the EU then sendng it back to where you bought the tuba or, pay the VAT and then they'll reimburse you the VAT when they get the stamped form back. I have done if boths ways and it works. I have gone from Mexico where I live and bought a tuba on a couple of occasions. On the specific models I bought, it worked out to be cheaper than buying in the US even including my travel expenses and I had a GREAT trip on top. Independently from where you buy your tuba, you should go to all of the factories because it is an incredible learning experience and the Germans are always happy to have you come visit. REALLY investigate prices, your expenses in going to get the tuba, whether or not you can try a couple, any taxes involved then make your decision about where you should buy your tuba. There are many options. Good luck and have fun in Germany!!