Seeking help with pricing.

[Tubaguyry]

Greetings, all. I will soon be able to purchase a tuba. Since I've never purchased such a big-ticket item (my cars have all been used), I'm wondering what kind of "wiggle room" can be expected between posted prices and the price I actually pay from retailers of new horns.

I'm not looking for a big speech from anyone telling me of how I should just pay what the store lists, because it's a good price and they've gotta pay the bills. What I'm looking for is some advice from people who have firsthand dealings with what I'm talking about, and might be able to tell me about their experiences, so that I can save some money. I understand if people don't want to post publicly about it, but I sure would appreciate some PMs!

Thanks in advance!

[Matt G]

Pretty much ask them the same question you asked here.

Often the "What is your best price?" line works the best. You are throwing no low-ball offers out and they have a chance to meet the price that is in your head. This has always worked well for me when buying cars/houses/etc.

[tubashaman2]

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[Tubaguyry]

… I've never purchased such a big-ticket item…

Weril 681 CC (mine)

The Weril wasn't what I consider "big ticket." It was a demo model I bought from bloke for about $1500 back in 2001.

[Mister JP]

Just remember "new" does not automatically mean "better." Since you have experience in purchasing a used tuba from a well-known seller, I'd first consider that. Getting a used tuba that also has an endorsement from a professional, semi-professional or otherwise trustworthy player may be better than honking on several new tubas at a store for ~10 minutes each.

I really wish something like TubeNet was around when I was looking for my first (and as it turned out, only tuba) I probably would have either saved money on it, or gotten an even better tuba for what I payed new. I certainly ended up with a winner, but I think I would have made a different decision if this much information (and tubas) was at my fingertips.

[Dean E]

I bought a Guarneri Violin in the Bronx for $10 once getting off the Major Deegan.

Yeah - I bet that's not a copy either.

Nope. It was the real deal... about $500,000 worth of violin!

That's where I bought my Rolex!