Tuba Player, Series 24
col24-7 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 24 · 2023. This figure debuted on January 1st as part of the 24th numbered series of blind-bagged minifigures, continuing LEGO's long-running hobbyist line featuring unique, self-contained characters.
Figure ID
col24-7
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
2023. This figure debuted on January 1st as part of the 24th numbered series of blind-bagged minifigures, continuing LEGO's long-running hobbyist line featuring unique, self-contained characters.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While distributed in mystery packaging (blind bags/boxes), it was part of a mass-market retail wave. However, as Series 24 is now retired, it is transitioning from common to harder-to-find on primary retail shelves.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone. The printing features blown-out puffed cheeks to represent the effort of blowing into a brass instrument, small black eyes with white highlights, a bead of sweat on the left temple, and a small circular mouth. It is single-sided and unique to this character.
Torso
White military-style marching band jacket. Features gold frogging (ornamental braiding), gold buttons, and black lapel piping. The back includes vertical seam printing. Arms are white with black cuffs and white hands. It includes a detachable pearl gold epaulette piece.
Legs
Standard height legs in red. Features a black stripe down the outer sides and black printing on the toes/feet to represent boots. The color coordination matches the shako and internal marching band uniform aesthetics.
Accessories
Includes two primary accessories: a massive Pearl Gold Tuba (a unique mold specifically highlighted for this series) and a Red Shako (marcher's hat) with a printed gold chain and white plume. It also comes with the standard black 3x4 CMF display stand.
Color Scheme
A patriotic and traditional 'Marching Band' palette of Bright Red, White, and Pearl Gold, accented with Black boots and trim.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. Notable details include the specific 'puffed cheek' facial expression and the crisp gold metallic ink on the torso and shako. The leg printing includes side-leg striping which is often reserved for higher-tier figures.
Variants
No official LEGO variations of this specific figure exist, though the tuba part has appeared in different colors in later unrelated sets/MOC contexts. This is the only version of this specific character.
Condition Notes
Main concerns are 'heel cracks' on the red legs and potential scuffing on the large pearl gold tuba. The gold epaulettes can sometimes show stress marks if removed and replaced frequently.
Estimated Value
New/Unopened: $5.00 - $7.00 USD. Used Complete: $4.00 - $6.00 USD. Value is currently stable due to the recent retirement of the series.
Price (New)
$4.99 USD. This was the individual retail price for one Series 24 mystery bag in 2023.
Compatible Sets
Set 71037 (LEGO Minifigures Series 24 - Random Bag/Box). Included as 1 of 12 collectible figures in the wave.
Character Background
The character represents a generic yet highly detailed member of a marching band or brass ensemble. While it has no specific name, it is often paired by collectors with other musical minifigures to create parade scenes.
Design Notes
The tuba is a standout mold, being much larger than previous LEGO brass instruments. The puffed-cheek head print is a masterful use of the standard minifigure head to convey a physical action (playing a wind instrument).
Similar Minifigures
Series 11 Saxophone Player, LEGO City musicians, and the Series 27 Nutcracker (sharing a similar military-uniform aesthetic).
Collectibility
High for 'army builders' wanting to create large marching bands. It is a popular 'niche ensemble' figure that maintains value because it is currently the only official LEGO Tuba player.
History
Follows a long lineage of musical figures in the CMF line. Series 24 was significant as it was one of the final series to use foil bags before the transition to cardboard boxes, making 'feeling the bag' for the large tuba accessory a common hobbyist memory.
Interesting Facts
The tuba accessory is so large it requires specific pose adjustments for the figure to balance without a baseplate. It is one of the few figures where the 'sweat drop' is used for a non-athletic/non-frightened context.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a 'Parade' MOC alongside other Series 24 figures or City-themed street builds. Use a tiered display to allow the large tuba to be visible without blocking figures behind it.
Modification Potential
Excellent for military or historical MOCs. The white torso and red legs with the epaulettes can be easily repurposed for 18th-century themed soldiers or palace guards.
Overall Assessment
A standout figure from Series 24. The combination of a unique large accessory and a highly expressive, situational facial print makes it a 9/10 for design and a must-have for musical instrument collectors.