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Hi, my name's Scott. A couple months ago gtche98 posted this: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=96770&p=707486" target="_blank

I was kinda floored, because other than his location, that post is literally me. I stopped playing when I graduated from high school in 1993 because I didn't own a horn. And now I want back in. Budget is (relatively) minimal for the time being.

At first I thought I'd just try to track down a 2341, since that's what I played in high school. But even used samples in decent condition seem to be north of $3k. I think I've settled on buying one of the various Chinese horns from Mack or Dillon. Honestly, I could probably just flip a coin, because I won't be good enough to really notice any deficiencies for years, but I thought I'd ask.

Mack has 3 BBb horns in the ~$2k rang.
TU422L
TU200L
TU210L

Dillon has the 641.

Other than those, I'm interested specifically in front action, BBb horns with 4 valves. Those are really my only requirements.

My aspirations are fairly modest. There are a handful of community bands and orchestras in the region. Some of them aren't too selective. The local high school has a musical every year, and the pit orchestra is a mix of students and locals. A friend in a similar situation has started playing the trombone again and wants to put together a Dixieland jazz group. I'd like to relearn some of the district and State band audition pieces I thought I could play way back when. And that's about it, really.

Any thoughts, suggestions, brickbats?

Thanks!

There are a few 4v BBb tubas for sale here. You could make an offer on this one: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=97112" target="_blank

check out this King at Dillon Music too https://www.dillonmusic.com/used-king-2341bf-bbb-tuba/" target="_blank

I've got a Reynolds Contempora 4 valve for $1000. PM me if you'd like to see some pictures.

I have a TU200 and I love it. It's a great horn for my church and community band playing. One of my bandmates has a TU210. It's a bit smaller, but also a great horn. Additionally, the folks at Mack Brass have been top notch before and after the sale. I've had mine for 7 years now. Good luck.

ChipTuba wrote:I have a TU200 and I love it. It's a great horn for my church and community band playing. One of my bandmates has a TU210. It's a bit smaller, but also a great horn. Additionally, the folks at Mack Brass have been top notch before and after the sale. I've had mine for 7 years now. Good luck.

Thank you for the feedback on your TU200. I think more and more that's the one I want if I decide to get one from MACK. Have you had the opportunity to play it while standing? Any thoughts on that?

You could make an offer on this one, too: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=96985. It might be fun.

Thanks for all the advice and offers. I took the time to drive over to Dillon Music yesterday and play a couple horns. And by "play", I really mean "blew raspberries into them and some noises came out the other end." Anyway, I had the opportunity to speak with Matt Walker (such a nice guy and very knowledgeable) and then I bought their 1240.

27 years is a long time and there's lots of work to do...

Thank you for the feedback on your TU200. I think more and more that's the one I want if I decide to get one from MACK. Have you had the opportunity to play it while standing? Any thoughts on that?[/quote]

I have not played it while standing and I don't really want to. It's a big horn, I'm in my 60's and I don't know if my back would hold up even with a strap. I have played my 3/4 Amati standing with and without a strap. But the bottom line is, I prefer to play sitting down.