I think I’m finally wanting to take the plunge and look for an upgrade. Many moons ago I was a tuba performance major at UNCG before wising up and switch to the business program....as I never had the chops to go pro. That said I am doing more playing for my own amusement with COVID. I have been tootling around on a 3/4 3v top-action Getzen-made BBb for the past 15 years for fun. But I would really like to add that extra valve now, and to back to my roots of a front action.
I am looking for a true minimum-viable-product. I want something old and beat up that functions. Really nothing more, nothing less. I don’t want anything too nice to plop on its bell on the garage floor. I don’t care if intonation is a hair off. I sincerely never plan to play outside of my home with it.
I’ve owned and played many 1910s-1960s horns and would be very at home in that age horn here too. I think I'm most interested in one of the Kings...but open to others with a bit of heft to them.
Dents and finish are not important. I just want smooth valves (even if compression isn’t the greatest) and at this point don’t even really care if some of the slides are frozen. I don’t need a case or mouthpiece. I Just do not want it to need any solder work though. I have enough project horns I’m in the middle of as it is.
I would LOVE to find one inside of a 2-3 hour drive of Charlotte, NC for pickup so I don’t spend the $$ on logistics.
I really do not want to spend more than $300-375 all-in on it. That may be a very tall order, but thought I’d throw it into the universe. Also, I’m more than happy to trade my Getzen-made horn toward all or part of the cost (still need to be in the $375 max before the trade). That’s ideal, but not necessary.
Cheers,
BO