Posted by Jay Bertolet on June 05, 1999 at 22:21:31:
In Reply to: Need Purchase Advice posted by Shon on June 05, 1999 at 21:45:35:
If you can extend your budget another $800.00, you will have access to almost all of the best quality Eb tubas around. For $4795.00 you could get a Besson-Sovereign 981, or a Meinl-Weston MW2141. Also, I would imagine that the price of a Yamaha YEB631 (which is a copy of the B-S 981) is maybe lower than the B-S. Certainly, the Yamaha YEB321 which Joe mentioned is well under the $4000.00 figure. Also, the new Besson-Sovereign 983 is very close to the $4000.00 figure. You also might look at "scratch and dent" instruments and maybe you won't have to go higher than your original budget.
One piece of advice: If this the only tuba you'll own, I would definitely buy Eb and not F. Very few F's play as well in the low range as most Eb tubas and the ones that do tend to be pretty pricey. Also, definitely get at least 4 valves, you'll need them! Good hunting!