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Eventually I also plan to pick up some type of Eb Compensating Tuba, so I guess this is the first step towards that end. It's been used and ABused a little, but nothing major. Has a nice sound, works well, and came with a case, though I think the case eventually will need to be replaced. If I go by the sticker on the somewhat destroyed case, a previous owner used it in the Junior South Jersey Band, which would have probably been 7th or 8th grade. Man I wish I had been allowed year pro-level instruments when I was that age, but I probably would have destroyed them. Thankfully this one was not destroyed. Except for the case:



Here it is in the case. The compartment in the case unfortunately is not there, so no convenient place to stow mouthpiece, wipe down cloth, etc. I'm considering whether to "rebuild" one, as the anchor screws are still there. Here's the front and back photos:






It's got some light denting in areas, and some distortion/twisting of the main tuning slide. However I have no plans to try to address those issues at present, as it works and sounds just fine. No real reason to mess with something if it's not causing real issues.

This is the twist in the main tuning slide. The slide itself has the twist when it's removed as well. Not sure if that's from original manufacture, or whether it was bent out of shape.



There also looks to be some slight distortion of this brace:



But, it's still a GREAT horn. Currently trying to decide what type of oils I want to go for with the valves and tuning slides. For now I'm using Ultra-Pure valve oil and standard lanolin, except on the 3rd valve tuning slide, where I am using Hetman Slide Gel.

I'd actually consider getting it fixed.. the main tuning slide is pretty important. Looks to me like the case could've possibly done that if the horn was stored for a long time and it isn't the correct case for the horn. At the very least I'd have it checked out if you have the time and money for it.

Sterlings are fine horns, Congratulations on finding an instrument for yourself!

Sousaswag wrote:I'd actually consider getting it fixed.. the main tuning slide is pretty important. Looks to me like the case could've possibly done that if the horn was stored for a long time and it isn't the correct case for the horn. At the very least I'd have it checked out if you have the time and money for it.

Pretty sure it's the correct case. Might have taken a hit, or just got a little bent. The guys over at the Euph forum run by David Werden said to just leave it alone. The tuning slide moves fine, and there's no other real issues. I got it from Dillon Music so they looked it over and prepped it before I took it home.

bloke wrote:My Willson 2900 (which I purchased for a stupid-cheap price years ago...school surplus) had the same issue.

I just cleaned and greased up all the tuning slides, and it doesn't seem to interfere with anything, so for now, I'm just going to enjoy it as is. It really is a great horn. I'm glad I was able to find it.

Now to learn how to tune 6 different tuning slides.