WTB: Looking for a Reliable Tuba (Hard $2,000 Budget)

[Steviethefrog]

Hi everyone,

My name is Jack, and I’m a high school tuba player in Florida looking to buy my first personal instrument. I’ve been playing on school-owned horns for years — most of them pretty worn down — and I’m finally ready to have a tuba of my own that I can take care of, grow with, and eventually take into college.

I currently play BBb, but I’m completely open to CC or another key. I play in my school’s top band and orchestra, and we regularly tackle challenging repertoire, so I’m looking for a horn that can handle real musical demands with solid intonation, a dependable low register, and a stable, consistent feel.

What I’m looking for:

• A tuba in any key (BBb, CC, or otherwise)
• Must work with a Euro shank mouthpiece (I use an Olka C1L‑E)
• Reliable intonation
• Strong low register
• Durable build
• No major structural issues
• 4 or 5 valves — I’m open to either if the horn plays well


Budget:
I have a hard budget of $2,000. I can’t go above that, but I’m ready to buy immediately if the right horn comes along.

Why I’m posting:
I’ve reached out to several individual sellers, but many listings are older or already sold. I figured it was time to make a post here in case someone has a horn they’ve been thinking about selling but hasn’t listed yet.

I’m not a collector or reseller — just a young player trying to find a dependable horn I can commit to for years.

If you have something that might fit what I’m looking for, or if you know someone who does, I’d really appreciate hearing from you.
You can reply here or email me at: [jackmanuel08@icloud.com]
(Still a new user can’t pm pls email me)
Thanks for your time, and thanks to everyone who helps students find good instruments.

— Jack

[humBell]

I know this is not quite what you are looking for but, well, you capitalized "Reliable"...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/286795008899



(if you're still looking, i'll see what i can find, as i vaguely remember seeing some listings that seemed mildly appealing from Floridian sellers, but then i have odd tastes in tubas, so not sure how useful i am)

[Heavy_Metal]

How about this one?

https://www.tubaforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=14046

[prodigal]

Heavy_Metal is right, I'd ask about this one and ask your parents to take a road trip with you across the panhandle if it's still available!

[bloke]

Shop eBay for a 4-valve King that (based on cosmetic condition) HOPEFULLY also has good valves.

There are those (good sound, good tuning, good build quality) that can be found.

Those in your price range will be older and with detachable bells.

Learn the differences between a 1241 and a 2341, learn to distinguish them by sight, and shop for a 2341.