bort2.0 wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 10:18 pm
Aw man, I hadn't even thought about the compensating (or not) consideration. I do think this is still an option to explore, and THANK YOU to everyone who replied. I don't think I've written back to everyone yet...
But yes, it could potentially be a nice Eb to cover most of everything. Front action piston Eb's have usually been the ones that I like most... But those are more expensive, too.
I like the idea of a big F tuba as well for the same purpose, but outside of the Yamaha 822, I'm not sure what other big F tuba is out there and/or worth a damn.
A big F tuba that plays easily (like an Eb) will most certainly be out of your budget. MW 2250 plays very easily (I'm definitely a fan), but it is not easily afforded. An 822 ain't exactly cheap either. The JP piston F is from "over there," and a new one is still out of your budget, so that's out. Finding a big, easy-playing F tuba that is manufactured in the West and is very affordable is highly unlikely.
Ok, how about Eb?
I REALLY like the Packer 377. If the Symphonie had not already been on my radar, I would have bought the 377 I tried. Damned near bought it anyway. A new one would be above your budget, but not out of sight. A used one would be closer to your budget. Yes, it also originates "over there" and despite being of excellent build quality, that leaves this one out (and it leaves out the fantastic Wessex Tubby Eb - I thought it was a total badass). Joe had a really nice 983 a while back, but it, like other nice front action Eb's, are usually not within your budget parameters.
So what is left?
- A York or some kind of monster conversion. You have to be patient and ready to pounce if a rare jewel comes along (if it's a jewel at all).
-A Kanstul Eb might be the ticket and close to affordable. Unfortunately, there aren't many of those around, and fewer that come up for sale. I'd definitely consider one.
-Yamaha makes a couple of Eb tubas that might be affordable and do what you need. The non-comp Eb is pretty easy to play, and not as expensive as the 981 copy.
- A 15" bell Imperial of proper vintage in not-worn-out shape would be an excellent choice - they are highly desirable among many players - and it would likely be within your budget. I missed my chance on a mint example sold by John Powell a while back. Someone with the dough pulled the trigger immediately, as they should have. If you find one, just be careful that it isn't worn out junk.
@bloke and others are probably better to discuss this model than me. But they do come up for sale, and the good ones are... well... good ones.