Posted by Lee Stofer on November 21, 2002 at 07:51:26:
In Reply to: St.Petersburg-again posted by Collin on November 20, 2002 at 17:51:08:
If you are looking to buy a tuba, I would suggest doing a lot of shopping first. If you have a good repair tech nearby, and there is a St. Pete in the area, just ask the tech to remove a rotor or two, and let you have a look inside of the instrument. I have a student who has one. I would not have recommended that he purchase one, but he bought it before we met. It seems to be better than most I see, but it still is basically built to 19th century standards.
The new King 2341 BBb, the Meinl Weston 25 BBb, and the Josef Lidl LBB-701 BBb are all comparably-priced, better-built instruments, in my opinion. Also, look around for high-quality used instruments. I know of a nice older B&S 5-rotor CC tuba, dent-free and freshly serviced, in an Altieri gig bag, that recently was sold in the same price range as a new St. Pete. Deals are out there, if you look for them.
Lee Stofer