Posted by Chuck C on September 23, 2003 at 08:59:57:
In Reply to: ST. PETES posted by :) on September 21, 2003 at 21:20:39:
Interesting that there is such a range of experience with the StPetes. Here's mine, FWIW: I bought mine from tuba.com in early 2000, before Tuba Exchange got exclusive import rights. Mine had had its clock-spring valve setup replaced by the German paddles-with-external-springs linkage, and that has given me four years of trouble-free service. I did have to remove all the valves and do some further honing when I first got the horn, but the valves have been OK since. No problems with the slides. The metal is fairly soft and easily dented in the bottom bow area.
Mine has a rich, dark sound and seems well in tune. It is at least adequate for what I use it for--concert and polka bands. (I use a compensating EEb for other work.) I have not found 4th valve to be particularly stuffy, and I use it all the time instead of 1-3.
Considering that I paid about $2300 for the horn brand new, I think it's been a good bargain.