TubeNet

Hi everyone,

I’m a college student in Utah. I’m getting ready to start my final semester (student teaching) in the fall, and therefore, I’m looking to purchase my own tuba soon. I’ve done research and I have horns I’m very interested in, but I haven’t had a chance to try them out, as there aren’t any show rooms near me (aside from The Horn Guys in LA, but I haven’t been out that way yet). In a couple of weeks, I’m headed to Louisville, KY to visit some family. I know within several hours of Louisville, we have Baltimore Brass Co. in Baltimore, Custom Tubas in Detroit, Wessex in Chicago, and that’s all I’m familiar with. Those stores would take anywhere from 5 to 10 hours to drive to. I’m curious if there are any places closer that are currently open for testing tubas. I realize we are in a unique time, so I don’t know if there are any show rooms open right now to try horns.

I’d appreciate any help I can get! Thanks in advance!

-Michael Martinez

If you can get up to Cincinnati, Buddy Roger’s is now carrying several good tubas. I tried out the Eastman 6/4 when I was back home around Christmas. Chris Hite is their repair tech and tuba guy who is sometimes on TubeNet; look him up. He was super-nice and accommodating of my tight schedule.

-T. J.

Norm Epley is in Louisville -- he's a tuba player and runs a repair shop called NRE Brassworks. Does great work and sometimes has some tubas for sale, and also does a lot of custom work and custom builds.

He's a great guy, and definitely someone you should know if you'll be in Louisville.

https://m.facebook.com/NRE-Brassworks-L ... 100857592/" target="_blank

I once had a college roommate from Kentucky, who taught me this joke:

Q: How do you pronounce the capitol of Kentucky? Is it "Lewis-ville" or "Lewl-vil"?

A: Frankfort

If the Memphis, TN area isn't too far for you, go see "bloke" at Mid-South Music.

I'm 1 1/2 hours west of Louisville just south of I-64. Times have been rather strange and I only have two tubas for sale at the moment. You are more than welcome to drop by to try them or just for a chat.

- Miraphone 184CC with four rotors in VERY good condition complete with a usable case - $3,995.
- B & S 'stencil' BBb with four rotors. Raw brass. Reconditioned (no dents). No case. - $2,295.