Tuba Showroom... help?

[Billy M.]

Ok folks, as I get closer and closer to getting the needed funds to purchase a tuba, I have come to a minor obstacle. I need to find a close place to check out at least a few different models of horns.

I know that Brook Mays has a shop in Dallas that's a 'showroom' as well as Brasswind up in Indiana or the BBC in Baltimore... etc so on so forth. But I was wondering about something closer to where I live here in NW FL. Orlando??? New Orleans? What does Lee carry up in Atlanta?

All input is appreciated.

[fpoon]

What are you looking for? Just general size and key, etc.?

[Billy M.]

I'm looking for a CC horn, 5 valves 4/4-5/4 size. I want to be able to do comparison tests between those models that are top picks before I make the decision to purchase one.

[Rick Denney]

I know that Brook Mays has a shop in Dallas that's a 'showroom' as well as Brasswind up in Indiana or the BBC in Baltimore... etc so on so forth. But I was wondering about something closer to where I live here in NW FL. Orlando??? New Orleans? What does Lee carry up in Atlanta?

Lee primarily does repairs, but he sells and may have a Rudolf Meinl or two for you to try.

The conference is a good suggestion, especially if you can arrange to try the instruments on your short list in at a time when not everyone else is also blowing Ride of the Valkyries at the top of their lungs. And if there is someone there you trust (like your teacher, or a professional) to listen to you and play-test the instruments themselves. When I've bought at conferences, I've taken advantage of the availability of experts, and that has paid off.

Conferences are good for narrowing the choices, but unless you find something that grabs you instantly, it will be worth your time and money to travel to a bona fide tuba store. Dillon Music is within fairly easy reach of Newark International airport, and Baltimore Brass is easy to get to from Baltimore-Washington International. The latter might be preferred, because Southwest Airlines serves BWI and also Orlando, providing a source for relatively cheap fares. (I'm unfamiliar with the airports near South Bend.) If you are looking for a 4/4 or 5/4 CC, you'll be spending enough money to justify the cost of air travel to a good store.

The good stores not only have selection, but also expert and objective advice. If you don't know anybody at the conference to listen to you "out front" and to give you some advice, you are probably better off at a good tuba store.

Work in advance with these stores to make sure they have the instruments on your short list available when you visit. If you buy one, you're probably better off letting them ship it to you rather than you trying to carry it home.

Rick "who has bought from conferences and from stores, and prefers the latter" Denney

[Lew]

I lived in Orlando before moving to Virginia about a yr ago. There is no place within a short drive of Orlando that has any selection of tubas from which to choose. Rick's suggestion is probably the best. Spend a few bucks and fly to New Jersey or Baltimore, where you will find a good selection. Fortunately many discounted airfares are usually available from Orlando. It's a relatively small price to find a horn that works for you.

Otherwise the conference is probably the closest you will find.

[davet]

We're flying round trip South Bend to Orlando for just over 200 per. That's not a bad deal to try out WWBW stuff. WWBW is only abuot a 5 min. drive from the airport. The last time I was there I wasn't spending much money, but Roger spent as much time with me as I needed, and seemed willing to spend more.

I've never been to Baltimore, but bought a horn from them. David gave me a lot of good advice over the phone and took the time to work out a good trade for my old Kiefer (or however it's spelled).

You couldn't go wrong with either IMO.

Dave

[Lew]

... David gave me a lot of good advice over the phone and took the time to work out a good trade for my old Kiefer (or however it's spelled). ...
Dave

Only because you asked, it's spelled Keefer. Brua C. Keefer was the foreman of the Henry Distin factory in Williamsport, PA. When Distin died in 1909 the Keefer family bought the business and changed the name.

[Will]

If you had the time you could just make a road trip up the east coast. You could stop by Tuba Exchange in Durham, Baltimore Brass, and even Dillon's if you wanted to go that far up.


-heads