bloke wrote:I find it amazing that stores are open in America that allow people to spit into, scratch, and dent $5K - $15K (dealer cost) giant pieces of nearly foil-thin metal that need to be represented as "brand new" until they are sold.
Don't misunderstand me; I'm not putting down the handful of tuba outlets in the nation. I just find it astonishing how much they much love tubas, because I see the "new tuba" thing as a very challenging way to make a profit.
I would hope that the prospective purchasers of tubas, who travel to these dedicated dealers - who love music and the instruments which produce music - would be as considerate and caring of the instruments they try, as the dealer is generous, in the offering of time and capital outlay - by providing the tuba for them to evaluate.
I have been to a musical instrument dealer who did generously offer me the time and tubas to play. He mentioned how he had cautioned a person who was evaluating an F tuba to be careful not to stand the tuba on the bell as it was rather unstable and unbalanced in such a position. The person did so anyway and this brand new tuba fell over. I wonder if he walked out of the store with out making a purchase or offering to pay for the repair of the damage he was responsible, after being cautioned not to stand the tuba on its bell.
Purchaser and provider, is a partnership where each should strive to be as considerate and courteous as the other. When this happens, it is a rewarding experience for both parties and the craft and art of tuba playing and music in general continues on.
Beginning again to be a tuba player.
1291 King Double B flat with detachable bell.
"The hills are alive, with the sound of (tuba) music."
