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Very interesting tuba. The bell is on backwards, though Says the bell is only 17", and it's a bell-front, so it must not be a large tuba. Probably 3/4 or 7/8 in size

This is in my area. I am the mom of a soon to start tuba student. I believe the monthly rental cost is pretty $$$. I'm considering buying a tuba instead, then could recoup my costs when my child is done, if he quit soon.

Would this be okay for a beginner? If not this, then what? While I have a musical background, brass is something I know nothing about, other than an appreciation for its sound.

^I have yet to play a "real" Buescher like this tuba. The closest I have to a Buescher is my 1970s Selmer Signet fiberglass sousa, which is a good sousa -- similar to the Conn 36K fiberglass sousa. [Selmer bought Buescher back in the 1960s and used their parts for some of their instruments, including Selmer sousaphones]
But I think this tuba would be great for a kid. It has all parts, in decent condition, isn't too huge, is a 3-valve BBb, even includes a mpc, cases and a stand. $750 for all that is very reasonable.......especially for a rare old American BBb tuba. If I were in the area and had the dough, I'd prolly snatch it up.

Thanks for all the insight! He is a 5 th grader, soon to be 11. Does that make a difference with any recommendations! Never before played an instrument, despite my effort to get him to learn piano from me. Not worried about his strength, he is a very strong and determined 4'10" and 90 pounds, dad is 5'10", that is what I'd expect over the next several years.

If it matters, he would have access to a 3/4 for use at school for lessons and rehearsal, if no more kids pick tuba. Doesn't sound like the director wants it going home.

Care of it? We would! I very much appreciate a good antique, and one of the reasons I was asking here, is I think I can probably gt bet alum used and old than a newer, maybe shinier, one that might now be "like they used to be"

I nearly majored in music myself .... Flute, and have one that could be professionally used. I can hear the differences in sound quality, I just am not educated on brass.

Also nearby .... A couesnon. I think I've read on here to stay away. True?

If we were to go buy it should I have the owner play it? Make sure it is in good working and playing condition?

Also nearby. I know it's a Sousa, and not the right choice, but holton is good too, right?
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/m ... 98876.html" target="_blank

No, not buying a sousaphone now, just thought it was pretty And from my reading, a decent brand.

Rental seems to be $60 per month, which is why I'm looking at buying. A good vintage, that could last a long while, that would cost 1 year of rental seems smart, to me.

School doesn't have one to loan, that's why I need to obtain one for home. School has two, for use at school, but they don't go home. I don't know about future years in middle and high school. Beyond that, it is a financial decision. Rent for one year is what buying this one would cost me.

As for my experience? My parents rented for a year. However, rent was $9 per month, not $60, with a $100 deposit. My family's income isn't 6x my parents was, even when not adjusted for inflation. After a year, they bought me one. I bought a nearly professional one with all my summer income money early in high school.

The choice to buy vs. rent is financial, given that even with one year of use,I'll be at break even, and it he quits then, still have a horn to sell, vs. the money gone forever. If school had one to loan? I would be all over it, believe me!

Newplayermom wrote: The choice to buy vs. rent is financial, given that even with one year of use,I'll be at break even, and it he quits then, still have a horn to sell, vs. the money gone forever. If school had one to loan? I would be all over it, believe me!

I'm sure you could find someone on here who would be willing to buy it if he no longer wanted to play! *Cough cough*