Need an opinion on an EEb tuba (St. Pete)

[tubaplyer]

Hey guys and gals,

I would like an honest opinion on the St. Petersburg 206N EEb Tuba. I have never played one but I have recently gotten into playing Eb on a Besson 700Eb 3 valve. I would like to have the versatility of a 5 valve Eb tuba and even though I dream about a Nor. Star or a Starlight Miraphone / 2141 etc. I may not be able to afford one. IS the St. pete an option or should I hold off and wait for a used Miraphone?

Also, I would like to know why I should stay away from or run to buy a St. Pete.

Thank you,

A

[dantetuba]

Look this forum....

http://www.tubanews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3942" target="_blank

[k001k47]

Never played one outside of exhibit halls.
That said, they (like all st petes) have a nice feel and surprisingly big, dark sound; can't really comment on intonation. St Pete has had quality control issues in the past, but from my understanding, they're getting much better. I don't think you could go wrong for the price.
If anyone else on the boad has something to say about them, please value their opinion more than mine.

BTW, you should really give that 2141 that's for sale on the board a look.

[jonesbrass]

I played a couple of these at the Tuba Exchange a couple of years back when I was looking for a large bass tuba. The one I played had very quick response, good intonation and a very nice sound. If I had any interest in buying an Eb tuba and didn't want to spend a lot, this would be a horn worth considering.

[Bob Kolada]

Nice horns, good intonation and low register, great sound; but they didn't feel too solid to me, perhaps a bit less so than the Jin Bao F. Frankly, unless you absolutely must have an Eb I think the Jin Bao is a better buy and the Cerveny 653 is the next step up.