Posted by Sean Chisham on June 03, 1999 at 16:55:16:
In Reply to: Orchestral Horn Concerns posted by Dan on June 03, 1999 at 00:58:09:
Stripping the horn of it's lacquer, duct taping big chunks of scrap brass to it, or painting it blue are not going to make any perceivable changes to a listener. These things might have a temperary affect on your overall attitude towards the instrument and cause improvement through motivation, but most likely not due to real physical benefits.
What you could do, if you really have your heart on changing equipment, is to come up with enough money to be able to match the money you expect from the sale of your present horn and send it to whoever sells the particular brand you want. Have them order it and hold it for you when it arrives. Once the horn is there you would need to unload your current horn, send off the cash, and wait the 3-5 days or so for the new horn to come to your door.
If a new shiny tuba is out of your budget, then you could work with some of the dealers who work on consignment. Once they have a horn which you have played and find appropriate for your needs, then they could hold it just like a new one. You would most likely need to send some sort of down payment to insure them that you are serious about the purchase.
sean