WTB: Looking for a Reliable Tuba (Hard $2,000 Budget)
Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 10:25 am
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
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
