Posted by Dan Clouse on September 25, 2001 at 23:47:58:
In Reply to: Re: Looking for a 5v CC tuba posted by Tony Clements on September 25, 2001 at 23:26:13:
I agree with Tony on this one. Even if you go used, you're not going to get into a good horn for much less than 4,000. You don't need to buy a 6/4 monster horn to get the job done, but you also don't need to short-change yourself before you get to the audition.
Play as many horns as you like and find out WHY a lot of players use a fifth valve, and find out WHY people choose BBb over CC or CC over BBb. Keep a notebook of what you like about each horn and the model and serial number. Over time you may find that some of the horns you like fall close to your price range. You may also find that upping your budget pushes you into an entirely higher level of instrument. At this point you'll be able to explain to yourself and your financiers (Thanks mom and dad!) just what you are getting for your dollar.
Dan
P.S. I mention serial numbers to keep track of used horns ( and new ones too). Some of the model runs of some horns are notorious for certain characteristics (ie. such-and-such horns were terrible in the seventies...)