Posted by Rick Denney on September 24, 2003 at 20:43:04:
In Reply to: Advice request for a first time buyer: posted by Mike on September 24, 2003 at 09:25:26:
$3500 is a useful sum of money for purchasing a BBb tuba. Here are some of your options:
-A used Miraphone 186 (or Meinl-Weston 25) in excellent enough condition that you can still put the first dent in it
-VMI 3301 on sale
-King 2341 (in lacquer). Good examples of this tuba has been getting rave reviews.
-VMI 2301 (or one of its stencil variations)
-Jupiter 582 (as you mention)
-Various Cervenys, but make sure you get a good one
-Weril 680 (if you want a very small instrument)
This list isn't complete. My point is that you have many more choices than the ones you mentioned, and in my opinion several better choices.
Were I you, I would call Matt Walters, Dave Fedderly, Roger Lewis, and Tony Clements and talk to them about your needs. Listen to their suggestions. They will all try their very best in good faith to send you something that will meet your needs and budget.
Rick "never willing to pay to put the first dent in a tuba" Denney