If Bb contrabass trombones were a little more common, it would be fun to pick one up. My use case is almost non-existent so there isn’t a case to spend real money on one.

But I didn’t hate it when I had 10 minutes to fart around on a pretty nice one.

With a little slide pulling, a 4v BBb will cover most bases.

5v or compensating 4v BBb makes sense for competitive brass band literature or if you prefer less slide pulling.

Between the horn and any leaning weight my Hercules stand often sagged even when I tightened to the max.
I drilled a through hole and installed a pin to hold the height.
No more sagging!

FWIW in my past buying experience, @edfirth was a great seller with a well kept horn.

I agree, but also have been very lucky on eBay: 2 for 2 on trombones with better slides than I probably deserved.

I am a fan.
The lead pipe was since replaced on the left.

While it helps to narrow down to some target models, I think it is most critical to put some notes through any horn that you are considering. That could mean that location and accessibility are more important than model.

I loved the concept and cost of the Wessex Excelsior, but when I played a few ...

@Willys where are you located?
It can be tough to judge a horn from a practice room, but you might find a way to get behind some horns to try before putting money into it.

https://www.amazon.com/Neotech-Tuba-Holster-Harness-5401212/dp/B085647691/ref=sr_1_7?crid=4890Y0GT2GS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GVq6EXRHgVUrQDfVlTN0gyMv2iXGCD38YhC30ycKoEbroeJpAakJsfYM96BUaCNoL1HzIgakhmq9G8zyqumUbp41XteQb9_bTzMYe2kukth8Bbtm2Ln-TZS06KwFzYQEgH7di69wbaaYwzy3XCcvlETY2Wj9dHokwyX7NH ...

I thought I had read somewhere about adding a port hole to squeeze oil into a valve without unscrewing the valve caps each time. I couldn’t find the thread.

It sounds simple enough to do in certain locations, but I wonder…
How well does it work?
Do you have more debris entering the chamber?
Is ...

I have a Yorkmaster piston valve block and recently the #1 piston valve guide continues to become loose after repeated tightening.

What is the preferred method to fix the screw on the side of the piston yet maintain future serviceability?

I bought a horn with a dent in the leadpipe. Certain notes were very difficult to play, especially pedal tones.
I got the leadpipe replaced and the problem notes are no longer a problem.

I like the RT-88 / 88+ for lower playing.
High range is more work in a large mouthpiece like that, but I still find it accessible.

Is it more common in some areas (or countries) to start smaller players on EEb tuba, then move to BBb when or if the larger tuba is appropriate?

I like that as an option, as you can more often find decent EEb tubas for bargain prices.

For the price mentioned, you could find a decent King recording bell horn that would probably be much more useful/versatile. Opt for a 3 valve model and you may be under $1000.

This one has been listed for a while, $2995 OBO.
This seems like a good to fair price for sousaphones these days.
Why do you suppose they can’t find a buyer?

https://ebay.us/m/Pypogb

5J in decent shape

https://www.ebay.com/itm/187158032700? ... media=COPY

How about playing with earplugs?
I just assume it is going to be unpleasant and carry on.

Horn in decent shape, with hard cases.
Current bid is $1025.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126965781329? ... media=COPY

“YAMAHA YBB641 4-ROTOR TUBA IN PLAYABLE CONDITION 013304“

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176842518007? ... media=COPY