I am putting my MW6450/2 Handmade "Baer" model tuba back on the market. I am the only owner, and purchased it new in 2009. Included are an MTS case and Altieri Gig bag. It is in terrific condition, with some light scratches on the rear body of the instrument. Price is lowered to $20,500 for the entire package.
The tuba is absolutely THE finest 6/4 tuba I've ever played. It is incredibly nimble and flexible, allowing me to utilize it in any setting imaginable. It's at home in the largest orchestra, and even in chamber settings, like the full time quintet I played in with the AF Band of Flight. I have never played another horn that speaks with such ease and clarity at any dynamic level.
I have made some adjustments to the tuba to increase its flexibility and sound production. These are detailed in the photos in the link below. The leadpipe has been taken off the bell, and a new brace fabricated at the mouthpiece. The tuba rings very sweetly as a result. The 5th valve slide has been trimmed down to play in tune when using the 245 combination. Slide rings have been added to 1st and 4th slide for ease of pulling, and I've had Saturn water keys installed on the rear of the 3rd and 4th slides (where the water actually collects). I have 2 sets of valves for the instrument; the original and a set of new MAW valves, and the Baer PVAK has been installed. The modifications/improvements have been done by master craftsmen, Martin Wilk (MAW creator), and Mark Metzler (well-known restoration specialist).
Also included are a modified MTS hard case (of which I have flown with multiple times with this tuba inside, including to and from Australia) which qualifies for airline weight restrictions, and a custom made Altieri gig bag.
New, this tuba sells for $30.5K. My tuba is like new, and hand-picked.
MAW valves are $1250
PVAK $100
Case $500
Altieri Gig Bag $200
Saturn Water Keys $100
All the work done to this instrument to fine tune it was done by master repairmen, Martin Wilk, and Mark Metzler.
Modifications $2500
That's a savings of over $11K!
It's a fantastic example of this model, and the new owner will be pleased! I've played upwards of 25 of the 6450's including having previously owned a production model. This one is exceptionally stellar, and will be sorely missed.
Pictures can be found here:
http://s472.photobucket.com/user/Jhardi ... ky%20Model
Recent Quintet recordings can be found here:
https://soundcloud.com/jhardisk/escape
https://soundcloud.com/jhardisk/prelude
https://soundcloud.com/jhardisk/fugue
Interested parties can contact me at johnhardisky (at) yahoo.com
Terms of the sale:
I will not ship this tuba unless the full purchase price is in my hand and cleared. And even then, I am not excited about shipping for trials. I will happily pick a potential buyer up at Dayton International Airport and bring them here to try it. If shipping is absolutely necessary, buyer pays shipping and insurance.
Thanks for looking!!
