Posted by Jim P. on March 10, 2003 at 19:23:20:
I'm getting back into the tuba after not playing for quite a few years. I played in high school and a bit in college but was never very good, never bought my own tuba and never learned much about the instrument. Just started up with a community band and am really enjoying it-- great to get music back into my life.
I don't know if I'm wiser (I know I'm older) but I've been doing lots of reading and searching as I consider purchasing a tuba--including this forum (which is very informative), EBay, WWBW, other websites, etc. There are lots of opinions about which tubas are good and which aren't (there seems to be a particularly strong sentiment about the St. Petersburg)
My dilemna is whether I should spend several thousand on a VMI 2103, Jupiter 582 or other instrument, especially if I don't seem to have a place nearby (Twin Cities, MN)where I can try them. I'm also concerned about buying from EBay when once again I can't inspect or try the instrument, even if it seems like I'm getting a good deal. And lastly, there's a guy in the band who is a good player who has a St. Pete's and loves it! There's one on EBay right now I could get a good deal on.
Who the heck do I believe? Any thoughts would be appreciated.