Posted by Lew on August 13, 2001 at 12:47:43:
In Reply to: WHAT SOUSAPHONE IS BEST posted by Dennis Hale on August 13, 2001 at 11:16:14:
It really depends on what you plan to use it for. If you are going to be carrying it a lot, I would suggest a Conn 14K, or King 1250 (the older version of the current 2350). Among the larger horns Conn, King, York, and Buescher all made good "jumbo" sousaphones, available with 4 valves. Finding one of these however is a different story. The 4 valve versions are rare and those who have them tend to keep them, so it will take some time to find one.
In my opinion the Conn 20K is the best sousaphone that is still being manufactured. You should easily find one of these used, but don't expect it to be inexpensive. I did see one recently that sold on that auction site for less than $800 that was in great shape, but that would be the exception. Expect to pay between $1500 to $3000 for one of these in playing condition.