3/4 size old mans tuba

[Alex F]

In my opinion (somewhat biased since I own one) the Lidl is one of the best smaller BBb tubas that money can buy. It can produce a lot of sound for its 3/4 size and its 15 lb. weight makes it perfect for the older player.

The bore size on these is .720" and it has a 16.5" bell. It's also a front action, 4 rotary valve horn with miniball linkage. The horn is very well made.

The problem is that new Lidls are very hard to find in the US and used ones rarely come up for sale. They've also gotten very pricey as anything coming from Europe is these days. Steve Ferguson has one right now (www.hornguys.com) and it's listed for $3600 (with hard case). I do think it's worth the $$.

[jeopardymaster]

There is an attractive little Mahillion 4 valver on Ebay right now. Looks rather like the model Howard Johnson used to play. Anyone have experience with them?

[chipster55]

Another suggestion would be the Amati ABB323. It's a 4 front valve BBb. It's not the greatest horn in the world, but it's fairly light & does the job for this "old man" (52).

[r smith]

I wanted to post an update on my friends tuba search. I gave him a variety of options and he is patiently considering the purchase of an Asian copy of a King 1140.

What is the Brand name on the Asian copy?? Maybe someone on this site can give you some information as to intonation & anything else about that Brand.

My $ 0.02 cents worth.

[iiipopes]

If he wants a King 1140, get a King 1140, or a Conn 5J, Yammy 1XX equivalent, or other mainstream equivalent, like the Olds. The overall Chinese market just doesn't have the consistency and reliability of manufacture yet to be recommended.

If he wants to spend bucks on a really good horn, and upright valves are not an issue, a used M-W 11 is also a great horn, especially when used with a deep funnel like a Conn 120 S Helleberg or Wick 3L. A friend of mine who is primarily a bass trombonist uses this combination for doubling, and it definitely holds its own in all ensembles. From the M-W website:

4 piston steel valves
Bore: .630in
Bell diameter: 15in
Height: 34in

[The Big Ben]

He sounds like a cool guy. Hope he enjoys his horn. If it is checked out by a respected tech like Matt Walters, it will be a good horn.

Jeff

[jon112780]

It's definately a tuba, and way under his budget...


http://cgi.ebay.com/Conn-euphonium-bari ... otohosting

Might not hurt to ask the seller a question or two.

[WakinAZ]

D'oh - meant to PM somebody.

Eric "too many tabs open" L.

[iiipopes]

There is a M-W 11 at Baltimore right now, and a Lidl at Hornguys right now, both new, with the price tags to match, of course.

[The Big Ben]

Finally an update!

My friend had some health issues that interfered with any tuba purchase (pacemaker tune-up, cataract surgey on both eyes, etc.)
He recently returned to playing with a healthier heart and clearer vision, so he decided to go for it.
He purchased an Allora 105L from Roger at WWBW. Nice little German built tuba. It arrived yesterday and he is thus far pleased. I look forward to hearing a somewhat bigger sound in our large practice room. I will have to check it out and give it a try during this coming Monday's rehearsal.
Thanks to all who responded to this thread last fall.
Thanks to Roger for taking care of my old buddy.

Good to hear!.. Those Alloras were on sale, too. I hope he's happy. After his 'general refurbishment' he could be good for another ten years!