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Hey tubenet,

I've recently acquired a Neptune, but after a few months of playing, I've come to realize that I've grown to like pistons more than rotary valves. That being said, I'm putting the tuba up for trade.

I cannot stress enough how great of a horn this is. It's one of the earlier models, with the Mel Culbertson leaf-engraving on the bell. The tuba has had a few owners before me so the there is some wear on high traffic areas, but I think it adds to the horn's character.

As far as price goes without a trade, asking price would be about $7,000 with an Altieri gig bag and a hard case that came with the tuba. The horn is located in Denton, Texas, but I'd be more than happy to drive out a little ways to meet a potential buyer. Trades I had in mind were something along the lines of Willson 3050, Miraphone 1291-1293, piston Neptune, PT6P, Wisemann, BMB 6/4 CC, maybe a Meinl 2155, but feel free to reply with any offer.

Thanks for looking,
Zack

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM ... EwMzBKcV9B" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank"

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58mark wrote:amazing tubas, but your link for pics doesn't work

Just put up a new link, let me know if this works for you guys.

Can you post a close up of the engraving? The early models are very rare, and it'd be cool to see the engraving.

Great horns, if you need a humongous tuba.

bort wrote:Can you post a close up of the engraving? The early models are very rare, and it'd be cool to see the engraving.

Great horns, if you need a humongous tuba.

I'll take some pictures of the horn tomorrow, its a little late and I can get better lighting then.

Just a quick note, too... I owned a Neptune for a few months last year, and like you, really thought it was great (just too big).

Some of the tubas you mention for trades are quite a bit smaller than the Neptune, so that's a bit of a range there. I went from Neptune to (rotary) Willson. For me, it still satisfies the "bigger than normal" tuba itch, but not at the expense of being TOO large. I don't have a ton of experience with the piston Willson's, but remember liking the ones I tried.

If nothing else, you will have a LOT of options with a handful of cash. Sounds like fun.

Rotary Neptunes have always had a second valve kicker.

The second valve kicker is a real help and works perfectly. I also have a main slide tuning rod on mine, and John Thomas is going to put a first valve slide extension ring-y-thingy on mine also. If this one responds as well as mine does, I think 7K is a great price. These tubas put out a dark sound and can be played quite softly. I'm the only tuba player in a community band of about 40 people, and it's not at all too large for that band. I like it because I can get a much bigger dynamic range than I've been used to getting for many, many years. Bloke (Joe Sellmansberger) can put together a mouthpiece that fits the odd sized receiver perfectly, and is a great match for the characteristics of this tuba. Well worth considering, IMHO. However, they are heavy!

I don't use a 'three point stance' position. I play the horn with the bell straight up, which makes it easier for me to manipulate the main slide tuning rod. It's just me, but I've never liked the 'three point stance' thang. I frankly don't like hearing tubas played in an orchestra that way either.

While I agree that piston horns are generally better from a musical standpoint, rotors are far superior and more reliable for community or college band works that have a lot of rapid passages. My fingers and hand get stuck trying to do a fist-full of complicated and rapid fingerings down low on a big piston horn. If you're just playing lots of watermelons in a symphony orchestra - sure - pistons are the way to go.

Barry

I've uploaded about 40 more pictures to the album for those that have asked for more pictures. Again, I cannot stress enough how great of a tuba this is.

Again, thanks for the comments and interest everyone.

Zack

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