Posted by Steve Kinsel on December 16, 2001 at 08:55:50:
In Reply to: New BBb Rotary 4/4 Tuba $4000 or less? posted by Lori on December 11, 2001 at 19:24:21:
About seven months ago, I got a VMI2301 from Brasswind. First of all, they were great on the phone. Mr. Russo promised me that he would personally check out the horn before it shipped. I assume he did, because this is a nice horn. I don't know if there are good and bad VMIs, but I was glad to have the horn checked out before shipping. It arrived in great shape (for a good price!).
Now for the horn: It is an excellent horn for the money. I wouldn't say it's great at any one thing, but it's not bad at anything. It does not get stuffy in the low register. The valves are fast and quiet.
One warning: This horn is HEAVY. I haven't weighed it, but it is sure a pain to carry, let alone stand and play. You might want to make sure your daughter can handle a heavy tuba.
Please feel free to e-mail me if you have more questions about the VMI that I bought.