$2500 Budget

[sc_curtis]

There is a person down here wanting to buy a tuba around the $2500 range. Any suggestions that I may pass on to him? I don't think key is an issue. Probably should be a 4/4, general purpose tuba I would think.

[Rick Denney]

There is a person down here wanting to buy a tuba around the $2500 range. Any suggestions that I may pass on to him? I don't think key is an issue. Probably should be a 4/4, general purpose tuba I would think.

Used old-style Kings in excellent condition sell for about that. You might even find a used Miraphone 186 in not quite such good condition for that, but still solidly playable. I'd rather have either than new alternatives in that price range. If he must have a new tuba, check into the Dalyan, which is probably a little more expensive by several hundred dollars. All are in Bb, which is the key where finding a good deal will be easiest.

Rick "suggesting the shops page of this site" Denney

[MartyNeilan]

Sometimes the bigger repair shops have horns sitting around that are unadvertised; they may be ugly or not the "brand of the month" but are still solid players. Have your friend email some of them and see what happens - guys like Lee Stofer, bloke, DanO, and even the ones on the SHOPS page.

[IkeH]

If you can stretch you upper limit to 3k you will find a lot more possiblities. Maybe a slightly used Miraphone s-186 or one of Sam Gnagey's specials he puts together. Are you looking at BBbs or CCs?

Ike

[Mark E. Chachich]

My suggestions (opinions) for your friend:

Check out the Baltimore Brass Company and Dillon's website. Baltimore Brass lists prices on most of the new and used tubas that they have and Dillon's lists prices on used tubas, this will give you an idea of what is to be had in a given price range. Of course it is best (and most fun) to go to one of the good tuba stores (like Baltimore Brass and Dillon's), talk with them, test drive tubas and perhaps even getting a tuba that you really like. Low Brass Werks is in San Jose and Tony Clements has a good reputation.

Remember, key generally makes a big impact on price. Used generally gets you more tuba for the money. Also, I like your 4/4 general purpose tuba idea.

good luck and good hunting,
Mark

[Lew]

...

Remember, key generally makes a big impact on price. Used generally gets you more tuba for the money. Also, I like your 4/4 general purpose tuba idea.

good luck and good hunting,
Mark

And, everything else being equal, the hierarchy of prices by key seems to be Eb, BBb, CC, F in increasing order of price, although recently 4 or 5 valve Eb's may be more expensive than equivalent BBbs