Posted by Rick Denney on September 23, 2003 at 11:02:37:
In Reply to: schmidt posted by ioe on September 23, 2003 at 09:35:08:
The F. Schmidt tubas are made by VMI and are just like their VMI-branded siblings. The price seems a bit high for a new one--I think their importer (Brook Mays) was selling them for around $3000 when they still had them. Is this a new instrument?
It is a pretty standard 4/4 rotary tuba of good quality and reputation. So, yes, it's a good tuba. For that money, though, you can get a pristine used Miraphone 186 or a new King 2341, or even a 4-valve VMI 3301 if you shop around. Thus, you shouldn't limit your options. If you like it better than those others, then fine, but it's not such a good deal that you should buy it sight unseen.
I might buy a tuba without playing it first (or--more importantly--without having a trusted pro play it) if the price is good enough so that I know that if I don't like it I can get my money back out of it by selling it to someone else. This price doesn't seem to me quite that good.
Rick "who thinks $3500 can get you a wonderful BBb tuba" Denney