TubaForum.net

Good evening and happy holidays to you all. I just found this forum after reminiscing about playing in my college brass band over 15 years ago, especially during the holidays! I am really wanting to get back to playing and join my local concert group here in NE Nevada. I am looking in the sub $4k range for a full size tuba preferably with at least 4 piston valves. I sincerely appreciate any offers or info!

Cheers

Edit: I am located in Elko, NV. I am willing to negotiate on meeting somewhere if you are somewhere on this side of the country.

Edit2: I am able to draw a bit more funds for a tuba. I am possibly looking at working out a deal on a Wessex 5 valve on eBay but I'm still looking.

Honest opinion:

If you find a 4 valve Bb tuba that’s around 4/4 size for at or under $1k, it likely needs $1500 of work to get it into playable condition.

If you could wait until your budget is roughly double that, you’ll find something usable eventually that won’t need any immediate repairs.

For $3k, you’ll find a lot of good offerings that have been adult owned and ready to go.

Probably not the news you want to hear, but I think it useful to manage expectations.

matt g wrote:Honest opinion:

If you find a 4 valve Bb tuba that’s around 4/4 size for at or under $1k, it likely needs $1500 of work to get it into playable condition.

If you could wait until your budget is roughly double that, you’ll find something usable eventually that won’t need any immediate repairs.

For $3k, you’ll find a lot of good offerings that have been adult owned and ready to go.

Probably not the news you want to hear, but I think it useful to manage expectations.

Hey Matt,

Really appreciate the feedback. That makes sense, figured I start somewhere and with something that I didn't need a big chunk of money for. I am open to three valve configurations as well, would just love to have four. I could probably make $1500-2000 work though.

Cheers

Alebeard wrote: ↑Sun Dec 25, 2022 11:46 pm

matt g wrote:Honest opinion:

If you find a 4 valve Bb tuba that’s around 4/4 size for at or under $1k, it likely needs $1500 of work to get it into playable condition.

If you could wait until your budget is roughly double that, you’ll find something usable eventually that won’t need any immediate repairs.

For $3k, you’ll find a lot of good offerings that have been adult owned and ready to go.

Probably not the news you want to hear, but I think it useful to manage expectations.

Hey Matt,

Really appreciate the feedback. That makes sense, figured I start somewhere and with something that I didn't need a big chunk of money for. I am open to three valve configurations as well, would just love to have four. I could probably make $1500-2000 work though.

Cheers

I’m sure some good stuff will pop up soon!

If the budget is $2k now, I got each of mine for just under that all in.

Just takes a while longer.

Don't overlook the King 12/2340 three valve instrument. It's the same as the 12/2341 but with three valves. They are usually available for the price you are looking to pay.

Will a 3v horn work? I think so. I have had both the 3v and 4v models and I play in a concert band. Marches, show tunes, movie themes and such. In five years of playing I don't think I've encountered music that *had* to be played with the 4th valve. (Lower than Eb)

Three Valves wrote: ↑Mon Dec 26, 2022 2:41 pm If the budget is $2k now, I got each of mine for just under that all in.

Just takes a while longer.

I'll shoot you a PM :)

Shot one back.

I didn’t mean to imply mine were for sale, just offering encouragement.

I do have a rifled shotgun barrel for sale though…

Three Valves wrote: ↑Mon Dec 26, 2022 4:15 pm Shot one back.

I didn’t mean to imply mine were for sale, just offering encouragement.

I do have a rifled shotgun barrel for sale though…

Got it I will be keeping an eye out.

Just updated my original post. I am able to secure a bit more funds for an instrument.

Bump

Thank you everyone for your input and offers. I have finally made a purchase decision.

Cheers,
Jared

Alebeard wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 3:07 pm Thank you everyone for your input and offers. I have finally made a purchase decision.

Cheers,
Jared

Say more!!

Congrats!

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 3:49 pm

Alebeard wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 3:07 pm Thank you everyone for your input and offers. I have finally made a purchase decision.

Cheers,
Jared

Say more!!

Congrats!

I was very lucky to pick up a Reichel/ Markneukirchen Kaisertuba from Mr. Daniel Ridder!

OOOoooo Weee! That's a big bugga... Has that characteristic kaisertooba taper on the bell. Have you played it much yet?

The Big Ben wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 4:25 pm OOOoooo Weee! That's a big bugga... Has that characteristic kaisertooba taper on the bell. Have you played it much yet?

I just purchased it from him today. I think it will go out in the mail next week so hoping to see it before the end of the month.

Holy moly! You went all out.

Strengthen up those lungs and enjoy it!

Thanks! I can't wait to get it here and playing!

That's incredible! You owe us a full report :-)

I bought a tuba from Daniel over the summer, and it was packed extremely well. It took about a month to get from there to here, but it arrived in perfect condition

Yes, we MUST have a report. Sound samples if possible.
Congratulations!!!