"Classic" Tuba.. maybe a Getzen

[akinsgre]

I have an opportunity to buy a tuba. The Engraving says simply "CLASSIC" x00 (This "x' is obscured in the picture) SERIES U.S.A. and the serial number is 854406

The seller says it's a Getzen.. and the typeface on the engraving looks like Getzen but the serial number pattern doesn't match what I found on horn-u-copia.

Can anyone help me identify this instrument?

http://imgur.com/m8XgV4c
http://i.imgur.com/d8VKlzo

[bort]

Pretty sure it's DEG. I'm hazy on the DEG/Getzen relationship, since they typically have little to do with tubas.

[akinsgre]

Here is a list of other pictures of the tuba.

http://imgur.com/RZy4LDt
http://imgur.com/2bCicri
http://imgur.com/L6Wg0uo
http://imgur.com/xvBW1T7
http://imgur.com/7pZvBhK
http://imgur.com/an27ceS

[akinsgre]

It appears to be the DEG-sold Taiwanese-made knock-off of the (USA-made) King model 1140.

Currently, it's called "Dynasty" or "Schafer".

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/brass-in ... udent-tuba

Thanks! So.. can anyone comment on the quality of this horn? I'm buying it for an Elementary school band program. Price is $350. I figure for that money I can't go wrong, but I don't want to waste the money if it's a piece of garbage.