Re: high schooler buying a tuba


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Posted by tubagoo on July 08, 2000 at 08:54:04:

In Reply to: high schooler buying a tuba posted by Tubagirl on July 07, 2000 at 01:16:00:

Anyone that expects a horn to be shiney knows nothing about tubas. You want to look for an instrument that is in good operating condition, with a minimum of dents, and certainly none that affect the operation of airflow. You can play much of the band music if all you have is a three valve tuba. A four valve would be preferable when you go to buy. Piston tubas are not necesarily the best tuba on the market. The most coveted tuba right now is a 4 piston, one rotory valve tuba. The rotor is operated with the thumb. This is a big expensive horn for orchesta musician, not necessary for district bands.
If you have the money for a new horn, there are some great horns in the $3000-4000 range and plenty of good tubas for less than that. I still like the conn 5J. It is 4valve Bb tuba with four piston valves. but they rarely come up for sale on the used tuba market. If your school can rent a tuba, go for it. the only thing wrong with the rotory valve horn you talk about, may be just a tune up on the valves themselves. clean 'em, oil 'em....maybe make sure all the little rubber bumpers are there.
have fun

have fun


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