Can't decide whether to go for an F or E-flat

[tubaknut]

I discussed this with Herr Meinl when I visited the factory last year. The Eb are ONLY made to order and they will manufacture with right hand thumb operated 5th valve if specified.

If I had not already purchased my 2040/5, I might have been tempted, but they are very expensive. More than double the price of a standard Melton/Meinl-Weston.

That sounds very good - that they can manufacture it with a right thumb activated 5th valve. Money will of course be a subject, but if I fall in love with this rudy I'll just have to save for a while.

[tubaknut]

I've been in touch with Rudolf Meinl Jr., and he gives me some interesting prices.

The retail price for the 4/4 Eb with 5 valves is 13800 USD, not including shipment or taxes.
When you said expensive earlier, I was expecting a price tag in the region 25000+ USD. It would be really interesting to try these out, but unfortunately the easiest way to do that, is at the factory. Seems like I'll have to plan a vacation soon.

For those of you interested, the 6/4 Bb goes for somewhere in the region of 23000 USD.