Posted by Dave on March 12, 1999 at 09:27:57:
In Reply to: new tubas posted by Brian White on March 10, 1999 at 16:29:53:
Just my 2 cents in addition to these fine posts...
As a former high school director, my advice is to stay away from rotary valves, period. For durability reasons, pistons will be your best bet in the long run.
Also, I would check into Meinl-Weston tubas. I'm not certain if they make their "lower line student instruments" out of the same metal thickness that they make their CC horns out of, but Meinl-Westons are known as rugged horns. I know that way up there on your priority list as a band director is ease of maintenance and longevity. A piston valve horn with heft that plays well is your goal (sounds a lot like those Kings, doesn't it!).
Hope this helps...
Dave