Recommendations for a low cost 5 valve CC tuba for college,

[NCSUSousa]

I would like to own a CC tuba because it's what my instructor recommended.

This is more than enough reason for me. If you're instructor recommended the switch to CC as you continue to study tuba, then go for it.

If your budget is ~$3k and you have to have it in the next month or two, then stick with a trusted importer of Chinese horns like Mack or Wessex. You might be able to find a good used CC on your local Craigslist in your price range if you don't see one on this board.

I'll also second Bob's recommendation to develop your backup plan.
A business, accounting or economics major sits well if you're not up to engineering. Don't go get an (insert liberal arts type) major with a Music major. That way you'll have a solid back-up major (career path) once you graduate.

[bort]

If you want a CC, then buy a CC. Frankly, I think BBb is silly, it's like counting starting from -1.

For $3,000, there are not many options, but *sometimes* these tubas will come around from time to time:
* Meinl-Weston 30 or 32
* Cerveny Piggy (or the 186-sized Cerveny, I can't remember the model number)
* Marzan
* Miraphone 186

There are others too, but I can't think of them for now. I have owned 2 tubas mentioned on that list, and paid under $3,000 for each of them. Both were excellent 4-valve instruments.

The best strategy when you have a small budget like $3,000 is to do your research now, and decide what you like (or would accept). Have the money ready to go, and when you see one of these tubas come up for sale in your price range, jump on it. Also, posting here saying what you are looking for is always a good idea. There are lots of instruments for sale that aren't always visible (or posted at all) on the For Sale pages.

Conversely, a $3,000 tuba can actually work to your advantage. There are ALWAYS people looking to buy inexpensive CC tubas, and the non-Chinese tubas hold their value very well (i.e., you will probably be able to sell it for the same amount you paid when you are ready to upgrade). The Chinese tubas might hold their value too, but it's just too early to draw any conclusions. For $3,000, you're not going to get the tuba of your dreams. You will get a good, serviceable instrument that will last you until you can afford the tuba of your dreams. Or maybe you'll get lucky and stick with this one for a very very long time!

[NCSUSousa]

This is more than enough reason for me. If you're instructor recommended the switch to CC as you continue to study tuba, then go for it.
...

That's an odd statement. What if the instructor doesn't like the brand/model of CC tuba this guys buys?

Besides, inquiring minds want to know, who's your instructor?

That part of his answer is more than enough for me because I also have trusted instructors to determine what equipment is best suited for the work that I would like to do. Keep in mind that I am NOT a professional tuba player, nor do I hold a degree in music.
I simply asked 'Why CC?' and 'Is someone requiring it?'. It seems that the answer to my 2nd question (also based on this answer) is: "The decision is based on a recommendation, not a requirement".

I do not have (or perceive a need for) an instructor, assuming that question was also in reply to my post.

[geneman06]

I'm with KiltieTuba on this, there's no reason to rush into a tuba purchase. Try out your schools horns in different ensemble settings and figure out what works for you.
Take your time in choosing a tuba and figure out what's best for you and what you plan to do.

[b.williams]

How about this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tuba-Mirafone-T ... 3386446098" target="_blank" target="_blank

[Alex Kidston]

http://www.barthsbrassblog.com/" target="_blank

Listen to EVERYONE's advice but try EVERYTHING and make your own decision...

Good luck!

Alex

[bort]

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=57596" target="_blank

Ditto, buy this now.

[Mark E. Chachich]

There is a Mack Brass CC tuba at Baltimore Brass (a TubeNet sponsor) for $1,495.00, it comes with a case. This is a good tuba for well under your stated price. I have a friend that plays a Mack Brass CC, it is a very nice tuba (he is a very good player).

Mark

[DPlander]

Kanstul 90-S 5 Valve
Kanstul 902-5C

Played both and love them.