Re: ?s on low budget tubas


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Posted by Rick Denney on February 15, 2004 at 21:26:00:

In Reply to: ?s on low budget tubas posted by Ken on February 15, 2004 at 00:07:46:

Call Lee Stofer (do a search to get his email), Matt Walters at Dillon Music, or Dave Fedderly at Baltimore Brass, and tell them your needs and your budget. They will tell you what they have, and they won't send you an instrument that is inappropriate for you. You can't do better than that.

If you have $1000 to spend, there are fine three-valve vintage American tubas that have a devoted following. One example is an older Conn 20J. When you outgrow it, it will fetch you just about as many dollars as it cost, so it's a no-cost temporary instrument for getting back into playing. No, it's not ideal for quintet, but it's also under a grand. You might find an old Reynolds, Olds or Beuscher in that price range, too. I'd take any of those in a heartbeat rather than not play.

If you have $1500 to spend, look for a King 1241 or 1240, or a Besson three-valve compensating instrument like a New Standard. They are old, and they will look old, but if in good playing condition, they will play pretty nicely for 1.5 kilobucks.

If you have $2000 to spend, you can consider a well-used Miraphone, a well-used King 2341 (the old style with the detachable bell), a new Weril 980 (?) that is closely based on the Yamaha 621, or a used VMI or Cerveny in decent condition. The Weril would be ideal for quintet, but a little small for community band. Again, the used instruments you'd buy in this price range have done all their depreciating, and will likely sell for what you pay. If you go with a Cerveny, make sure one of the dealers above or someone whose expertise you trust tries it out--Cervenys can be a good value but they are not the most consistent instruments around.

If you can spend $2500, then used Miraphones in better condition and used Kings in excellent condition would rise to the top of my list, barring a particularly lucky find.

The instruments you mentioned will be close to $3000. The F. Schmidt and the VMI are identical except for the writing on the bell, and are an equal value. I'd take them over the other choices in that price range, and those are the cheapest new tubas that can give a good used Miraphone a run for its money, in terms of sound, construction quality, playablity, and versatility.

The new-style King 2341's with the one-piece bell are too new to be generally available on the used market. They are great tubas, but you'll have trouble finding a used one and new ones aren't in your price range.

Do not worry about buying used tubas, if you buy from the gentlemen listed above. They will tell you about any problems, and will educate you on any problems so that you can make an informed choice. Used tubas have the advantage of already being depreciated. In a few years, you can trade up at little cost, if you want to.

Rick "who'd rather have a $600 battered Besson than no tuba at all" Denney


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