Posted by Rick Denney on April 03, 2003 at 12:11:26:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Brook-Mays posted by js on April 03, 2003 at 00:28:05:
You are correct. $1700 in 1972 was the equivalent of $7100 today, which is about in the middle of the pack for new professional 4/4 CC tubas, and much more than a Miraphone 186. Of course, Miraphone has long since paid for the development of the 186.
Even the advent of TUBA and its conferences had a big impact on the tubas an average person could try before buying. I'd bet that in 1972, most professionals bought tubas from individuals and back-of-station-wagon sole proprietorships, unless it was a Miraphone or an American-made tuba. That an idiot like me can drive to Baltimore and play-test 15 different outstanding tubas is a miracle.
Rick "who never underestimates the effects of late-70's double-digit inflation" Denney