Posted by Steven on May 11, 2003 at 19:36:12:
Still having a little bit of trouble deciding on an instrument from the ones offered since I posted;
Will a fourth valve really make that much of a difference to a beginner?
I think I've narrowed the choices down to the following;
3 valve BBb helicon, name brand, will need some valve work at some point in near future
4 valve EEb helicon, no name, has valves already replated
4 valve BBb recording tuba, name brand, no work necessary.
I know I originally was just interested in a helicon, but I really love the sound of the tuba in the Schnickelfritz recordings and the Spike Jones recordings, and I know from research that they were made with recording tubas.
Anyone have any opinion as to what would be the best buy for a beginner from the above three choices? All are around the same price. Should I just try and find some old cheap beater to start on? Is wanted a professional instrument right off the bat a mistake??
I could probably find an old Eb sousaphone at a local junk shop for about $125!
I really appreciate all of your opinions and insight.
Appreciatively,
Steven