Posted by Steve Dedman on September 04, 2003 at 14:32:29:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Help: Used tuba for middle schooler posted by clueless on September 04, 2003 at 14:05:40:
Two different horns of the same key shouldn't be too big of a problem. Of course, if his horn at home is better than his horn at school, they might mysteriously get reversed...
Joe's comment about the 4 valves is right on, BTW. In this case, more is better. If he doesn't like it, tell him it's like coffee - you get used to it, then you can't live without it.
You're very fortunate to find a company willing to rent tubas. While it might not be money well spent, it's better than money spent on a horn only to have found out that he hates the tuba. At least now you know he wants to continue before you shell out $xxx-$xxxx.
FWIW, I would look for a used King or Conn 4-valve. They usually play well, usually can be had without a 2nd mortgage, and hold their value well. He WILL want to upgrade at some point, so buy something now that you can sell later at or near what you pay for it. Whatever you do, don't buy anything (except maybe a Yamaha) from Asia off of e-bay.
Good luck.
SD