If I had the money right now, I'd definitely buy a Cimbasso (preferably in Eb). I've actually thought of making one, but even getting the parts together is pretty expensive unless you take a really long-term view and get lucky on Tubnet and Ebay. And the Chinese ones are still a bit pricey unless you buy direct from a Chinese distributor, handle all the import stuff, and take the chance on getting one that's damaged or poorly fabricated. Still .... very tempting.
If I had one, I figure I'd just show up in community band and play the bass trombone parts with it.
If only I could find a cheap 9.5" or larger bass trombone bell, ......... I'm thinking that building an Eb Cimbasso with five valves (three on right hand and two on left) would just be insufferably cool.
Gary Merrill
Wessex EEb Bass tuba (DW 3XL or 2XL)
Mack Brass Compensating Euph (DE N106, Euph J, J9 euph)
Amati Oval Euph (DE 104, Euph J, J6 euph)
1924 Buescher 3-valve Eb tuba (with std US receiver), Kelly 25
Schiller American Heritage 7B clone bass trombone (DE LB K/K10/112/14 Lexan, Brass Ark MV50R)
1947 Olds "Standard" trombone (Olds #3)