Posted by ken k on March 10, 2003 at 22:15:57:
In Reply to: Buying first tuba posted by Jim P. on March 10, 2003 at 19:23:20:
Have you played your friend's St. Pete? If so what do you think? My take on them is that they play fairly well, but are not the sturdiest instruments around. You also have to watch if you are getting a newer one with good valves. Years ago you could pick them up real cheap but they had horrible valves. Some of the original ones still had the old clock spring type set up. Others had the upgraded german valve set. I would guess that most of the more recent horns are better, but unless you know exactly what you are buying it is not an easy call.
ken k