Posted by Lew on October 25, 2001 at 16:29:26:
In Reply to: Intermediate Tuba posted by Don Hogaboom on October 25, 2001 at 15:46:47:
I have never tried the Sanders, so I can't comment, but others have posted about it recently, primarily negative. The Conn 5J is an excellent intermediate level horn. It is shorter than the Yamaha 321, and with the front action valves is a little easier to handle. It is a full sized horn though, so the smaller kids may have the same problems as the with 321. The bore however, is smaller than on the smaller Yamahas. Another option is the Conn 12J. It is the 3 valve version of the 5J, which makes it a little lighter and easier to handle, and less expensive.
One of my favorite horns for this age is the Olds O-99. They were a nice, 3 valve, front action, 7/8 sized horn. They are no longer made, but you can often find them in some of the shops for between $1000 - $1500, or less.