Posted by morris Clueless Parent schneider on October 06, 1999 at 22:12:23:
In Reply to: Quality of construction posted by D. Seebaugh on September 28, 1999 at 18:11:55:
Having spent quite a bit of time looking at tubas of late, I marvel at their price. Someone recently posted that it takes ~400 manhours to produce a tuba - that's 2.5 months.
I guess I'm surprised that there isn't a less expensive way to punch out a pretty good horn for far less $$$$. I mean some of the tubas I've seen cost as much a decent car and I just don't quite grasp where the cost comes from. We're talking about what appears to be some fairly uncomplicated tubing and valves and a nice finish. Seems like these could be mass producted at a MUCH lower cost.
Aren't any of the dropouts from aerospace working on this? If they can do plumbing on the shuttle, an inexpensive tuba should be a snap! OK, hammers cost $500, but that's another story.
And on top of that, they fall apart. What is wrong with this picture?
What am I missing? Maybe I just need another Valium!
Morris
PS - Thanks to all who are providing input on The Great TUBA Hunt.
MKS