Meinl-Weston model 2145 CC.......................................................................................................................SOLD

Meinl-Weston model 2145 CC, lacquered, with a maroon Reunion Blues gig bag, 16 5/8" bell, 36 1/2" tall, .747" bore, .787" 4th & 5th valves. A tuba collector had this fine instrument in his collection for about a year, but it is obvious that the instrument has scarcely been used. The valve guide channels have had all burrs cleaned out and are expertly finished, so the valve action is much better than new. The bell-to-bottom bow joint was apparently loose from the factory, and has been repaired. There is a small line visible along the ferrule where the repair was made. This instrument has a maroon Reunion Blues gig bag. This tuba ranks amongst the best 2145's I've played, and will be a joy for some player to use for years to come.

Mirafone 186-4U BBb..........................................................................................................................................SOLD

Mirafone 186-4U BBb, pro model, pre-owned, like-new, lacquered, 17 3/4" bell, 39 1/2" tall, .770" bore, nickel-silver bell rim, leadpipe, and tube from 4th valve to main tuning slide. This instrument also has the nickel-silver inner- and outer tuning slide tubes and Miniball linkage, a real top-of-the-line Mirafone and not a cheapened-down model. One of the very finest examples of this industry-standard tuba that I've seen and played, it comes with a pro Altieri gig bag in like-new condition.

Kanstul CTU900-4B 5/4 BBb...............................................................................................................................$4,750

Kanstul CTU900-4B 5/4 BBb tuba, pre-owned, like-new, lacquered, 19 1/16" bell, 40" tall, .689" bore, modular construction, with Gard side-loading gig bag. This massive instrument is based on the still-popular Martin Mammoth tuba. The combination of a moderate-bore valveset and a large body result in a tuba that will deliver plenty of 'bottom' to an ensemble without wearing-out the player. The modular construction makes this instrument easy to clean and repair. It is my opinion that the Kanstul tubas not only have the best modular braces in the industry, but also the tightest pistons, offering an instrument that is unparalleled by any other American-made instrument, and is amongst the best in the world. The 4th slide is designed to offer a nearly 24" pull, enabling the player to readily play, in-tune, down to the pedal register. By pressing the 4 valves and pulling the smooth 4th slide, one can readily play a pedal B-natural. For fine-tuning, the instrument is supplied with a 2nd main tuning slide with a thumb ring for the left hand, enabling the instrumentalist to set the lower main tuning slide and make fine adjustments with the lightning-fast upper tuning slide, which Kanstul calls the "tune-any-note" system. For those that prefer to use them, the 1st and 3rd valve upper slides are also easily manipulated. Every part and aspect of this instrument says, "quality" to me, which I'm proud to see in an American-made instrument - the most affordable pro-quality tuba made today.

Yamaha YBB-201 BBb Tuba............................................................................................................See Details Below

Yamaha YBB-201 BBb tuba, lacquered, used, 17 3/8" bell, 40" tall, .730" bore, with rose brass leadpipe, original wheeled hard case. Based upon the famous Besson design, this model offers a lot of tuba at a modest price. Just in, it is pictured in the condition in which I received it. I plan to do a full servicing which includes new valve guides, valve felts and washers, valve springs, removal of the few dents, and a thorough cleaning. A real bargain for the budget-minded tubist.

Fully-serviced: $1,900.00     As-is: $1,750.00

Yamaha YSH-301 Sousaphone.........................................................................................................................$2,750

Yamaha YSH-301 sousaphone, fiberglass, pre-owned, like-new, .730" bore, 26" bell, with like-new wheeled, molded hard case, neck, bits, mouthpiece. This instrument came to me after having been played just twice - the valves and slides still have that "brand-new" feeling. Yamaha sousaphones were based on the Martin Mammoth sousaphone design and have a warm sound with easy response that is reminiscent of the legendary Martin sousaphones. A great horn for a variety of purposes.

Accessories
:: Mike Finn Mouthpieces
:: Bruno Tilz Mouthpieces
:: Kelly Mouthpieces

:: Stofer Signature Line mouthpieces

After development and a successful test-run of my Signature Line mouthpieces in 2006, I plan to go into production in 2007, offering three models. The Stofer-Helleberg, the Stofer-Geib and the Stofer-Chief. Each of these mouthpieces is very carefully crafted, remaining true to the original design and size, each offering a particular sound and feel not available elsewhere. The only departures from the original design have to do with the shank, each mouthpiece being offered with either an "A" shank (American size) or an "E" shank, (European size), and the fact that I put a small back-cut bevel in the end of each of my mouthpieces to open-up the response and facilitate intonation. Although I have provided a general description and recommendations below, it is important for the individual player to experiment and form their own conclusions, as what works for one person may not work for the next.

Stofer- Helleberg - This mouthpiece is somewhat smaller than the more modern versions, is closer to the 7B, has a fairly well-rounded rim, and offers a really centered, focused sound with sufficient fundamental. I would recommend this mouthpiece to those with a small-to-medium sized embouchure as a general-purpose mouthpiece, and as a possible solo or small ensemble mouthpiece for those with larger embouchures. This mouthpiece can assist you in achieving a full sound without over-balancing in an ensemble.

Stofer-Geib - I was initially unimpressed with Geib model mouthpieces that I'd played, and even the original. However, I took one of the first copies of this mouthpiece as it was first produced, decided to try spending some time with it, and boy, am I glad I did! This mouthpiece has been described by some buyers as feeling like a slightly smaller version of an RM-10 or PT-88, offering plenty of deep, dark fundamental in the sound, a pleasant overall sound, and all of the good characteristics of those really large mouthpieces in a slightly smaller, more manageable size. I have been so pleased with this mouthpiece, that it has become my daily player mouthpiece for BBb or CC tuba. I would recommend this mouthpiece as being particularly well-suited for playing in a moderate-to-large orchestra, wind ensemble, or military band, and may excel in other areas for you, too.

Stofer-Chief - A mouthpiece as large as the legendary player who inspired it, the Chief has an extremely deep funnel, a large rim opening and a very large backbore. However, there is nothing tubby-sounding about this mouthpiece, as it provides a well-defined sound. In spite of the size, the mouthpiece tends to have a somewhat brighter sound than the Geib model, and really livens-up a not-so-responsive tuba, or an instrument with a higher resistance level. If you play a large instrument and it just doesn't seem to project the sound past the stage, the Stofer-Chief may be the mouthpiece for you. Whatever you play, this mouthpiece can put some real zing in your sound! I have had customers say that this mouthpiece worked particularly well with the B & S PT-6 tuba.

As soon as the new production mouthpieces become available, I will provide photos and prices on this page.