Wanted: Inexpensive BBb forward-bell tuba

[Rick Denney]

My wife's uncle currently plays a 3301, and has in the past played a King 1241, for which he had both bells. He sold the King in favor of the VMI, but now he's playing with some old buddies in a little Dixieland group, and he's finding the bell up doesn't lay down the beat for the band when playing outdoors.

He would like a BBb tuba with a forward bell. Interchangeable bells would be preferred (ideally with both bells provided). Three valves are fine. He doesn't want a sousaphone. He would prefer something smaller than a 20J, but he might be swayed if a great deal on a 20J appeared, though schlepping a big tuba is a problem for him. He hasn't set a budget, but I suspect if it's above the $1000-1500 range, he'll pass on it.

Good playing condition, please, but cosmetics are not as important.

My location is northern Virginia, and he is near enough to me. I plan to be at the Army Conference, and he might be.

Let me know if you have something available.

Rick "who has transacted four tubas for this gentleman so far" Denney

[WakinAZ]

I see another 2340/1240 in his future. My 1240 really punches out the sound with the forward bell. I put on the concert bell after the outdoor stuff finished up for the year, and I am finding myself missing the sound of the forward bell.

There are tons and tons of these around, so it's a buyer's market at well under a grand for one with just the forward bell. Honestly, with the 3301 at his disposal, he may never use the up-bell anyway. But you, as Resident Genius, know all this.

Eric "agreeing with Bob?" L.

[Mark]

Dan Oberloh may have some: http://www.oberloh.com/sales/sales.htm.

[iiipopes]

And so might Dan Schultz:

http://www.thevillagetinker.com