Posted by David on July 03, 2002 at 12:47:25:
In Reply to: Re: Re: T B A Mtg (was Advice on Purchasing a C) posted by CK on June 30, 2002 at 22:17:52:
I am very familiar with who comes and what they bring to the show. I have attended both TMEA and TBA every time over the past 16 years as an exhibitor. I also attend as a professional tuba player and have seen, heard, and gagged when many so-called "good" tuba players picked up horns and played them. That said, there have been some good experiences as well.
For the most part, a convention floor is a terrible place to try out horns. There is noise from everywhere, you have input from people who want only to sell a horn, and the acoustics are horrendous. Need I say more?
A true professional can get a "feel" for a good horn, but then if that "feel" is strong enough, the person will take the horn home on approval. DON'T EVER BUY A HORN DIRECTLY FROM THE FLOOR AND EXPECT IT TO PLAY THE SAME AT HOME.