Where to find a tuba?

[Bob Kolada]

As some of you might know (and as written in my signature!), I am trying to find a small clean 3 front valve (though 4 would be fine, if a bit more than what I need out of this horn) American Eb. I have been looking for such a horn for months. In April I found a Conn and a King on eBay but couldn't afford either one then. Now, I can but cannot find one.
Yes, I plan to also buy a larger horn and have at least one in my sights, but I have to get some stuff squared away first before I can do that.

Going off what bloke has said about them (though he has only mentioned the top valve model), a small Conn with the leadpipe before the valves would be my preference.

I look at eBay daily, check out http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... s(30).aspx daily (also emailed them, and received a quick reply that they do not have anything else other than on their webpage), check out bassclefbrass,.... often, but cannot find anything. I notice that http://www.oberloh.com says that they can find instruments, but they have not replied to my email.

Does anyone have any idea where to look for such a tuba? I am getting to the point where I could really use it now (quintet, tuba quartet, some jazz,...)!


Thanks!

[SplatterTone]

dillonmusic.com has a few used.

[WakinAZ]

Honestly, big man, I think you are stacking the deck against yourself. Small, relatively clean Conn 3v horns can be found, but they are all top-action. The vast majority of these horns (95-99%) were made in top-action, judging by what comes up for sale. Whatever front action horns are out there must be keepers or were long ago destroyed. There is a Pan-American (Conn stencil) 3v top-loader in the attic of a local music store here in Tucson that is in decent shape.

As far as the "I'm too big" argument against the top action horns, get a Stewart stand.

I think your search should include bigger wrap (with the false tubing to make a bigger circle) sousaphones and helicons.

Eric "thinking a new strategy is in order here" L.

[jonesbrass]

Bob, I sympathize, but also think you need to be patient. One will turn up, but if you know exactly what you want then just wait for it. In the meantime, use the BBb (or whatever you've got at the moment). It's not ideal, but as a good player you can make it work at least adequately.
Hang in there. Keep saving your $$. One will turn up.

[eupher61]

The more specific your demands, the more time the search.

sounds like something someone else shoulda said, but I'll take credit if no one can find another source...

-----------------------
I agree that there were more large 4 valves made in front (side, as the manufacturers used to say) pistons. Small 3 valves were almost always top.

Plenty of tall people play euphonium.

Just sayin'

[Bob Kolada]

Thanks guys. I knew from the beginning of my search that I probably wouldn't find one right away, but over the last year or so I've seen them occasionally here and there.

I also check oberloh, bbc,... fairly regularly. Just wondering if there was anywhere else I should be checking (or, better yet, if someone on here WOULD sell one but hadn't seen my ad ).

Beyond the whole tall-top valves thing, I plain just don't like top valve instruments. I also feel I'd be happier with a tuba and not a heli-phone.

[Donn]

This afternoon a local player was telling me where he got his rather nice old large bore silver plated Holton sousaphone: some 80 year old retired guy out in the woods with a barn full of instruments, including 4 sousaphones ready to go. Ebay is just the tip of the iceberg.

[Dan Schultz]

I have no idea what the reserve is. But... what's wrong with this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :MEBIDX:IT

[Bob Kolada]

That one is a bit uglier than I would like, but....

It looks like I've gotten one lined up!!!

Thanks Loren!

[jschwartz]

I have a King Symphonic in silver plate. 3V FA, but fixed recording bell. I also have a Couesnon Eb. Both in good shape, and available if your deal falls through.

[bort]

Bob! You finally got one? Congrats!!