Posted by Rick Denney on June 05, 2000 at 16:14:43:
In Reply to: 14K Conn Sousaphone on eBay question???? posted by Kevin Eckelkamp on June 05, 2000 at 15:16:22:
With all due respect, you missed the point. The sousaphones that typically go on ebay for your price range are run-of-the-mill three-valve Conns and Kings. The price reflects the condition and level of interest. The 14k on ebay right now is perfectly fine as a run-of-the-mill three-valve Conn, and looks nicer than most. If that's what you want, go for it.
But if you want something really interesting and unusual, like a four-valve Sousaphone, or something really old or of enough intrinsic value to be worth replating, or something unusual like a rain-catcher, then you'll pay more. Some have collector value that outshines its value as a player, and some are so playable that the demand among players is high (like a four-valve, for example). That was Joe's point.
Others suggested that run-of-the-mill sousaphones don't attract enough retail value to be worth doing a major overhaul. On the horn you mention, it is not perfect (as Harv admits), but in reasonable condition, polished and lacquered. Don't expect it to look new. But if it sells for the current price, he will lose money on it, unless he got it for nearly free to begin with.
You are obviously (now) interested in getting a plain-ole sousaphone. You early questions hinted that you were considering something more rare, and perhaps some other possibilities of historical or special value. From that, the impression was that you weren't looking for a run-of-the-mill horn.
Be careful interpreting expert responses--they may be more focused than your question.
Rick "Expertise here is free but not cheap" Denney