Posted by Rick Denney on October 15, 2001 at 11:37:19:
In Reply to: Re: Tuba shops posted by E. Oliver on October 15, 2001 at 07:21:41:
Yes, Joe's Mid-South Music is in Memphis, but he does not stock a selection of tubas for trial.
Dallas is closer than North Carolina, and you also avoid the problem of having to bring your suit of armor (sales-resistance-wise). But if you are flying anyway, then closer is not always better, and often not even cheaper.
To the original poster: You probably should discuss it with a local pro (your private teacher would be a good place to start), who can possibly hook you up with players whose horns you can try. Or, he can listen to your playing and your objectives and help you decide on a good horn without having to try out ten different models.
The ITEC in 2002 will be in North Carolina--all the tuba suppliers will be there in force. Ditto the Army Tuba Conference in Virginia in January. But the big education shows are often not open to normal people without educational credentials. When I attended such shows, friends of mine would say "Hi, R... [looking at borrowed name badge]... Fred!"
Rick "who was often a different person at different times of the day" Denney