Posted by Gary S on December 17, 1999 at 09:40:36:
In Reply to: Old Conns vs new large BBb Tubas posted by Graham Smith on December 15, 1999 at 23:39:26:
I currently own the St Pete, and I really like it. I have played a Conn 24 (not sure of letter, but think it was J) In my estimation, there is no comparison. The St Pete has a.840 bore, but it plays easily with a BIG sound. I feel the Conn does not have the full, dark sound. Not nearly as heavy as the Conn, which some will say "proves the St Pete won't hold up, etc, etc, etc., but I fail to find the logic in that concept to be sound. No, you can't drop it and expect it to bounce without damage, but as an adult, I don't make a practise of dropping my tuba. Check the www.tuba.com web site. I got the last nickle plated St Pete that Frieder had, but he still has the lacquered models. These will cost some less than Tuba Exchange. Feel free to email me on any details about dealing with Frieder and handling the import business yourself. Very simple and painless.