Page 1 of 1

Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:52 pm
by Mwtuba32
Looks to be a possible good deal on a learner F tuba..if it goes for close to the starting bid.

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 10:13 pm
by Todd S. Malicoate
The Amati? Eww. Junk. And you'll notice the "reserve isn't met" at $500.

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 10:17 pm
by Mwtuba32
I agree that anything above $500ish is too much.

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 2:37 am
by PMeuph
bloke wrote:I've never really understood the concept of a "learner" anything.

With "learner"-grade equipment, it is almost always very difficult to "learn", and many extraneous techniques must be "learned" in order to get the "learner" equipment to function - techniques that are not necessary to "learn" on "better-than-learner" equipment.

Money can be saved. Time (spent struggling on "learner" equipment) cannot be reclaimed.
For musical instruments I think your point is valid. However there are other contexts where I think it is all the more necessary to start on something smaller and more inexpensive and then move up to something bigger....

Driving comes to mind in this regard.... (People rarely start on semi-trailer trucks or dump trucks...)

Shooting also comes to mind. ( probably after reading that other post). A .30-06 would probably not be a good rifle for a teenager to learn to shoot on. However, an air rifle (.177) or a small caliber rifle (.22) are better suited.
___

Regarding F tubas.... If I apply my analogy, I am tempted to say that small Bb tubas are almost the "Learner" tubas for F tubas....

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 6:21 pm
by Frank Ortega
So, who has experience with these Amati F-tubas and how bad are they?

I've never played one. Is it stuffy low register, and/or generally out of tune?

Just curious.
Thanks,
Frank

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 7:39 pm
by TheHatTuba
Frank Ortega wrote:So, who has experience with these Amati F-tubas and how bad are they?

I've never played one. Is it stuffy low register, and/or generally out of tune?

Just curious.
Thanks,
Frank
Awhile back, an Amati F sold on eBay.de with a B&S 5th valve assembly and leadpipe attached. Not sure what that says about the horn, but somebody thought it was good enough to buy the parts and pay somebody to assemble it onto the horn.

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 7:54 pm
by The Big Ben
.

OOops. Shoulda looked at the ad first....

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 6:31 am
by Lingon
Frank Ortega wrote:So, who has experience with these Amati F-tubas and how bad are they?

I've never played one. Is it stuffy low register, and/or generally out of tune?

Just curious.
Thanks,
Frank
Played one, talked with a colleague that had another one. Those had nice sound, ok intonation, stuffy on D, Db, especially C, B. Good fake tones. Probably cerveny made. Linkages worked fine but need some care now and then. Could be a good instrument for someone that wants to learn the F. But like everything else it is good practice to try before buy especially since the reserve is not met at 500 so it might not be worth the gambling.

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:41 pm
by PMeuph
Tubajason wrote: I am always surprised someone is willing to spend 1800 on a questionalble new F tuba, but is unwilling to spend probably a 1000.00 on a older hand made F just because the name Amati is stamped on it.
I think the problem is that the $1800 horn is actually a 6 valve horn. OTOH, adding a 5th valve is likely going to be more than $1000 if the person doesn't have many parts on hand and that makes this amati less interesting.

FWIW, if you are patient enough there is likely gonna be a 5- valve horn that can be purchased at a reasonable price.

Re: Cheap Learner F Tuba

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:17 pm
by Wu299
Out of 3-4 Amati F tubas I played only one was "mediocre" and Im kind saying that.
Intonation is bad, tone is no miracle either, anything below E-Eflat is extremely hard to play, ... I can only suggest saving money and buying something else, to be honest. I am no expert or pro player, but I have yet to meet someone who plays these tubas and have something nice to say.