Is there really a market for old 3 valve Eb tubas?

[Lew]

I was looking at listings for Eb tubas and saw these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-C-G-Conn-N ... 337e482be4" target="_blank

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Conn-MONSTER-Eb ... 484cf0f03a" target="_blank

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CONN-PAN-AMERIC ... 563a8184b5" target="_blank

There are a few more on there. Is there really a market for a 3 valve Eb tuba for $1500 - $3500? I would think that a more realistic value for these horns is from $500 - $1200. Am I off base?

[1895King]

I paid $1950.00 for a York 3 valve this past summer; other than that I've never paid over $500.00 for a 3 valve and I have a total of 8 Eb's and a BBb I gave $50.00 for in 1970.

[thattubaguy]

It really just depends on the horn, i mean i paid 450 for my York with it's custom case and it's in great condition but i would of paid twice that I'd had the money but an old Pam American Eb? If it's not a York or a 4 valve or in awesome shape then 500 bucks is generous

[tclements]

no

[PMeuph]

Some of those horns have been online for quite a while. I think that Conn Monster has been there for 3 years.

Old 3 valve Eb tubas can be great. Part of the greatness comes from the fact that they can be obtained for $500 and sold pretty quickly because of their low price.

[Donn]

Some of those horns have been online for quite a while. I think that Conn Monster has been there for 3 years.

The Pan American looks pretty familiar, too. Maybe that's just because I have one myself.

I don't see the lack of a 4th valve as a gigantic issue here. If you're going to mail order a tuba like this, you get what you get - particularly, you can't expect to get the mythic Eb tuba that sounds like a contrabass tuba at the low end. A 4th valve isn't going to erase that question mark.

[opus37]

Sort of. There are folks like me who love an old 3V Eb. Especially an old renowned Martin or York. The false tones play well and these horns seem to have no bottom. The small versions are a dime a dozen, but play well for community band or pick up quintets. Granted the market is small, but it is dedicated.

[TheHatTuba]

Is there really a market for a 3 valve Eb tuba for $1500 - $3500? I would think that a more realistic value for these horns is from $500 - $1200. Am I off base?

Sure, how about a satin gold York monster Eb with:
-tight pistons
-no finish wear
-no previous repairs/damage
-good intonation
-