VMI 3301 for $3300 near Chicago

[Davy]

Any general reviews about that model out there?

[NDSPTuba]

What was the price that WWBW sold these at last year? Was it something like $2895? Anyone remember?

Yes that is about right. Which is why everytime I see one of these for sale since then for a significantly higher price I am tempted to point that out. But when you consider that these don't seem to be available new anywhere at the moment, it does muddy up the matter a bit. I think that WWBW's sale on these last year made a significant impact on the price range that these can pull on the used market.

[bort]

That, and $2895 is an exceptionally low price for *any* new tuba.

A few years back, BBC was selling the rest of their stock of brand new MW 25's for something like $4500 or $5000. Same type of thing -- a new one now would cost probably $7000+, so how much should a few year old "like new" one cost? Whatever someone is willing to pay for it, of course!

[DavidK]

These VMI (ne B&S) horns are solid, well made instruments. I've played 2-3 lacquered ones and found no glaring problems. Fit, finish and workmanship are very good. Check out Custom Music world/Tuba World and you will find the equivilent B&S model. And you'll see the comparable CC model that shares the same chassis and bell.

Yo, Davy! Regarding equipment reviews. Check out the search feature at the top of each tubenet page. There is a ton of info, just a click away. Enjoy !!! See you on the field this summer.

[tbn.al]

I bought one of these for my church orchestra when Roger had the cleaning out sale. It is an exceptional horn at twice the price and you won't be seeing $2895 again. It has replaced my Miraphone. Very responsive, robust sound and point and shoot intonation. My only complaint is that it is a bit on the hefty side. I think ours weighs 24 lbs. It was built as an institutional horn probably and should last forever. Fit and finish is B&S like.

[danzeman]

I live near this guy selling the VMI so I called to ask some questions when I saw the tuba up for sale. The second valve needs the small nylon guide replaced. I also do not think that WWBW was including a case in the price. This guy has a hard and a soft case included.