Posted by Matt Walters on August 15, 2003 at 09:42:54:
In Reply to: Looking For Tuba For JH posted by tubagiant on August 14, 2003 at 22:33:20:
Go for a Conn 5J if you can afford a few hundred over the $3K. Otherwise think of the Conn 12J. A small 4/4 (really about a 7/8) with a small bore, they are easy for the kids to fill and get a nice sound. The big 18" bell flair makes it less prone to tipping over when it sits on the bell when compared to those horns with 15" or less bells. Great parts availability and sturdy construction to start with.
If you are going to go cheap, then consider the Amati ABB 323. Well under your target range in a 3/4 horn, it looks like a small versiion of the Conn 5J. It's best in-tune horn that Cerveny makes. Lighter bracing, so you will spend a bit more over the years in repairs. Matt