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A student of mine is looking for a Holton 345 in BBb. If anyone has one they would like to sell, please contact me at jhicks54@hotmail.com. Thanks!
-james

Student is still looking. His budget is too small to buy one that has been refurbished and tweaked by the excellent work of Joe S. or Dan Oberloh. If anyone has one in good condition that needs a little love, he could be your buyer. Thanks!
-james

The starting point for one that is beat up (seriously damaged) and barely playable is about $3500 +/-. The needed repairs can set you back easily another $1500, that is, if you have a shop that you trust to do the work with out screwing things up. Parts are really not available, so you must be careful not to get stuck fit a horn that will require major replacements such as a bell, bow caps, tuning slide crooks, caps, etc. I get e-mails now and then from folks who are planning on selling but $5-7k is what you can expect for one that is fairly worn with its share of dents scratches and signs of repair but has not been through the chipper-shredder.

Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
Saving the world, one horn at a time...

There's a Besson BBb 3-valve comp 17" bell on eBay right now at a Buy It Now of $600....Nah, I don't need two.

It's purely supply and demand. The supply of both instruments is limited, as they are not made anymore, and there are about the same number of playable examples of each. For what they were designed to do, they are both fine instruments. Demand for the Holton, high. Demand for the 3-banger, low. So what's the difference? Works out to a "0" at the end of the dollar sign here in the USA because the majority desire is for an orchestral toned instrument rather than a British brass band toned instrument.

I will say that he is mainly interested in a 6/4 BBb. He really prefers a Holton 345 but would probably be interested in any 6/4 BBb. I must insist on a 4 valves for conscience sake. If anyone has any suggestions for a good 6/4 BBb with 4 piston valves, I would be happy to pass on your suggestion. Maybe a Martin? Isn't there a Conn 6/4 with 4 valves? 24J maybe? Thanks for the post Dan!

-James

he also prefers front action pistons so maybe a 24J is out

Lets see, BBb, 6/4, four valve , front action....hmm

York?........... Very rare and mondo expensive (not really an option).
Holton 345?....... Not as expensive, difficult to find in good condition, still a bit pricey for a decent one. Even a beater can be enough to activate the gag reflex.
Martin? ....... Can be much less expensive though fewer available then the Holtons still over $3k in moderate to extesivly beat up condition.
Conn? ......... Much easier to find and least expensive of the lot but not the best sound and intonation, can be all over the map depending on model and age.

Conn 24J and 34J top action, big boomy sound (can you say oom-pa) okay for band, orchestra? ehhh... no.

All but the Holtons predate 1940 and except for rare instances are poorly restored or in need of restoration, still a costly situation. The demand for these instruments is such that unless your student is ready to pay what the market demands, he can just keep on wishing and dreaming.

I just remembered, Its not yet been listed on my sales page, I have a Willson BBb four front action with a fifth rotor, I cant recall the model but its a biggin, ah hell that wont fit in your budget ether. Lets face it, you cant expect to have a villa in the south of France for the cost of a one room condo in Cleveland. Sorry.

Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
www.oberloh.com

Thanks Mr. Oberloh,
I'll pass on your advice to my student. Being VERY unfamiliar with BBb tuba prices and purchases, I had no idea what he would be getting into. I've seen Holton 345's posted for $3,000-$4,000 on this board but I also don't remember seeing them having to be "bumped" either. Must have been "priced to move". I would imagine he would want to stay within $5,000. Thanks again!

-james

it'd take around 7k for me to part with mine.

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