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Today I went to a school and volunteered working with the low brass section. I noticed on top of their lockers was an old beaten up 6/4 York BBb with 4 valves (STILL THERE) no case, just gathering dust, I told him I'd purchase it and he laughed thinking it isn't worth anything and he agreed to sell it. Any idea of what I should offer him for it?

I'm totally not an expert on tuba buying/purchasing, but I would say to keep in mind that youre probably going to have to service it, and that can cost a lot depending on what needs to be fixed. Also, that is actually amazing im a little jealous

Is it front action or top action? Any pictures or idea of what Era of York it is?

You told "him" you'd purchase it? The band director?

Find out if there is something the band director / band wants or needs and offer to supply it in exchange for the tuba. That might go farther than just cash. The band would feel like they got something of value for something they consider of no value. Maybe you could ask the band boosters.

Such as -- a needed instrument? Percussion equipment? Something for the marching band?

-- Joe

Does the band director have authority to sell school/county/city/etc property?

Gonna be weird if he shows up there with an extra $1000 (or whatever). Or worse yet, who's to say that $ would ever end up back in the band program? Old tuba that's all but forgotten turns into a mystery untraceable cash windfall? I don't want to assume the worst, but it could happen.

That's a good point, too.

Our local high school gets very little money for instruments, etc. from the county. The band boosters buy much of the needed instrumental items so I would think they would be the ones to control the disposal of an instrument they bought. But if this instrument was purchased with city/county funds, it could be reasonable to expect it to need to go through the proper channels.

However, even in our small-ish high school, the band boosters manage tens of thousands of dollars each year. A $1000 or so amount would not be very noticeable.

Sorry everyone for no reply. I see him again this week where I’ll get more information. I actually have my first tuba a Jupiter BBb I’ll try and trade him that! Thanks for the help everyone. Also I’m not sure if the rules are different because it’s a private school. The seniors play on MW 2145’s

We want pictures if you get it.

DannyEldredTuba wrote: The seniors play on MW 2145’s

Holy cats.

Update. So today I finally got my hands on it and it was not what I thought it was so I apologize. It’s actually a 3 valve 5/4 King Monster Eb, it was sitting on a shelf for 6 years untouched and I was able to get the valves working. I didn’t look for a serial number but I think it’s between 1911 to 1932. That being said does anyone have an idea for what to offer him for that. The horn plays. It’s original finish is silver and I believe it to be mostly there. I’d need to take it home and polish it, also find a serial number. Thanks for the help everyone!