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I may be back in the game to get a solid tuba as I approach the back nine. Want to go in strong, since this time will be front-loaded in my 40s instead of in my 80s.

Here's what I want, please let me know if you know of anything relatively close:

* Key of CC (not interested in other keys this time)
* 5 valves (a "must")
* Intonation doesn't suck
* Not currently destroyed
* Not previously destroyed and resurrected
* Nothing Chinese.
* German or Swiss preferred
* 4/4 or larger
^ Larger is better
* Rotors or pistons both okay
* Needs to be a normal tuba with no explanation. None of these
^ "it's like a ___ except that ___"
^ it's sort of like if _____ made a version of ____
^ one-offs / prototypes

Typically interested in Miraphone, Meinl Weston, and B&S. I've probably owned most of the big B&S tubas, and would be happy with any of them again!

Would consider Gronitz or Hirsbrunner if something existed in my budget.

The Nirschl 4/4 would be a dream horn, but doubtful in my budget. The Besson 995 was always hit or miss for me. I guess if a good one presented itself, I'd consider it.

Might consider Yamaha, for the right Yamaha.

Not really interested in Alexander or Rudy Meinl this time around. Not interested in Getzen either.

Case-by-case to consider other makes/brands. Some Conn CC tubas are good. A few Kanstuls were exceptional.

I'm probably forgetting other brands/makes..but that's a good start.

Thanks!

Look at the Wessex's. I have had more than a few students buy them and they are very happy with them; I have 3 myself.

@bort2.0 the Conn CC I have on consignment at Dillon Music checks all of your boxes except the German/Swiss deal. It’s American made parts modified and assembled by a true tuba magician.

@bort2.0, I echo Matt's suggestion. I played around on his horns for an hour or so and I don't think I've played a better 4/4 piston CC tuba. Think Eastman 632 but handmade by Matt Walters out of American/German parts and with better sound, projection and response than an Eastman. I say this as an Eastman owner. I can vouch for that tuba!

Glad you’re getting back into the game!

Baltimore has some good looking tubas, but many out of budget.

Dillon’s has Matt’s horn and some Willsons.

Your best bet right now, and I’d agree, is probably Matt’s horn.

There is also a Hirsbrunner HB2 on Facebook listed in KY for $8250. I’m sure some of us here would be willing to road trip that tuba to you. It is, however, missing some silver plate, and I’m not sure if it’s got those plastic rotors or not.

I'm pretty sure that you're a 4.5/4 (between 4/4 and 5/4) type of guy...

Most of those are "OK", but the 2155 is the best of those...(whereas most of the rest sound sorta "hollow")...
...BUT (when you find a good 2155) you're going to NEED to put a smaller mouthpipe on it - unless you wish to be worked to death.

Why not HOLD on to your dough and pick up the next 2155 that's in solid condition that's offered for $7500 or $8000.

(' sorry, but that replacement model - MMMCCXXV - just isn't as good.)

You're not going to find one as nice as the one that I sold, and - even if I found another one this nice again - I wouldn't sell it as cheap as I sold this one (only $11,000 - pre-2020-inauguration money).

Thanks everyone!

Fellow Minnesotan @Big Francis has a nice 2155 that is (finally!) getting the smaller leadpipe treatment soon. I do agree have a great setup, and a great idea. I don't think I want the stuff on his toes and steal his flow, though.

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 3:32 pm I don't think I want the stuff on his toes and steal his flow, though.

What stuff is on his toes? Is it for sale?

Will think on Matt's tuba. Lee Stofer also has a York CC rebuild, which seems neat.

But neither of those are options with which i am super familiar, and sorta break my rule of "similar to ___ except ___."

I will check them out though.

arpthark wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 3:39 pm

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 3:32 pm I don't think I want the stuff on his toes and steal his flow, though.

What stuff is on his toes? Is it for sale?

Well, this thread is effectively over.

Apparently I need a new phone with better talk to text instead.

Leading candidates at this point are a Gronitz PCM and small valve 2145

bloke wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 7:19 pm

Joe, I always value your opinions, and respect that you and I differ in opinions as well...

...but I am wondering, exactly which of my many tubas (which have all been sold) was subsequently bought by a person who thought WTH, this tuba sucks.

I don't always buy popular models. But I don't buy crap, either.

Or maybe I'm a way better player than I give myself credit, and I can make any tuba sound good.

Does a 188 fit your checklist, or is it too small?

jtm wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 8:38 pm Does a 188 fit your checklist, or is it too small?

My unwavering 20-year opinions remain true:

The 188 is the most perfect tuba ever invented and it's never too small.

I just kinda wish it was a little bigger sometimes.

I actually have told myself for the last few years, when I get a chance to buy again, I'll buy a 188 and be DONE with all this. Maybe that's still the best idea!(?)

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 9:51 pm

jtm wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 8:38 pm Does a 188 fit your checklist, or is it too small?

My unwavering 20-year opinions remain true:

The 188 is the most perfect tuba ever invented and it's never too small.

I just kinda wish it was a little bigger sometimes.

I actually have told myself for the last few years, when I get a chance to buy again, I'll buy a 188 and be DONE with all this. Maybe that's still the best idea!(?)

Go for a 188!

Although it does break your rule of "it's like a ___ except that ___"

(because it's like a 186 except that it's two higher.)

edit: here is a nice looking one for sale in North Carolina for $6,500:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 808172444/

Ooh, that's nice looking, and what a price drop :P

I wonder why more recently-made ones feature longer main slide ferrules.

The 1980's ones were easy to tune to standard pitch.

bloke wrote: ↑Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:24 pm I wonder why more recently-made ones feature longer main slide ferrules.

The 1980's ones were easy to tune to standard pitch.

I had to look. 2” (on each side) longer than mine. Maybe it’s a “440” model.