TubeNet

erik wrote:My student is looking for a tuba, and has been looking at the ebay wonders "Brand new, 4 valve tuba for 1400.00" Any info whould be greatly appreciated.

They're mainland Chinese. Although Chinese instruments are slowly improving, these ebay models are a real crap shoot as far as playability and workmanship are concerned. Not worth the risk, IMOHO.

Your student would be better off purchasing a good used tuba.

If you buy one of the junky Chinese tubas and it breaks... send it to me. Most repairmen don't want to work on these things because repair parts are non-existant. Actually, I'm looking forward to seeing some of these cheap imports in my shop so I can see for myself what they're all about.