Posted by Kenny Jay on February 04, 2004 at 21:57:53:
In Reply to: Question about Tuba Buying posted by Mike on February 04, 2004 at 09:27:16:
Hey Mike, I'm also from the Twin Cities area. I'll second Gus' suggestion. I took the trip to Brasswinds. Best tuba experience I have ever had. I called before I went down there, and they had all of the tubas that I wanted to try out. Although I'm just an amateur musician playing bass trombone and euphonium, Roger Lewis treated me like I was a pro. I hadn't touched a tuba for over twenty years before the trip. I had what amounted to a five hour tuba lesson with Roger. After finding the right tuba (that could afford), I spent some more time finding the right mouthpiece for it. I couldn't believe the difference the right mouthpiece made.
The buying experience is a whole lot easier, when you can play a bunch of horns and mouthpieces at one time. With a very good teacher listening and suggesting as you play.
By the way, I'm 49, and this is the first tuba I have ever owned.
Whoopie!!!