Posted by John Cooper on June 19, 1999 at 18:34:29:
In Reply to: Cost of the St. Petersburg posted by Jacob on June 19, 1999 at 16:33:14:
Yes, If you order the raw brass version with the original Russian valve linkages you can actually get it for $1239.65 (based on fridays exchange rate) shipped to the U.S. plus about another $50.00 - $100.00 for customs. You could get one for around $1500.00 with a case. You better be ready to spend some time or money working on the valves and linkages. To check the current options and prices, go to www.tuba.com and select the "order+price info" button at the top of the page. In the frame on the left of the page enter .5309 in the exchange rate box. This will adjust the prices for Friday's exchange rate. You can then select the different options, it will show the total price at the bottom of the form. When you are done, just close the page (you can quit without ordering a tuba).
I was considering buying a St. Pete but came across a Miraphone tuba with a gig bag for $1400 bought that instead. Keep your eyes open, watch ads, you can find deals out there for good used tubas in that price range. I'm afraid that if you don't have instrument repair and fabrication skills, you would have to spend closer to $3000.00 to get a St. Pete that you would be happy with. There are several good choices for new $3000.00 horns and lots of great choices for used $3000.00 horns.