W. Nirschl J-700 BBb

[phaymore]

Has anyone on here actually purchased one of these horns? I played one at Midwest a few days ago and was blown away by it. After doing some research in the archives, I found some concerns about the "fit and finish," but by people who had only test played it. How about the owners? How do you feel about the horn and how it is holding up? By the way, if you don't mind sharing, how much did you pay for it and where did you purchase it from?

Thanks,

Patrick Haymore

[tubatom91]

My high school bought a couple of these after I graduated, I was impressed with the one I played at midwest. Sadly the ones my school bought we're "eh" and "ok" the worst part about them were that the valve top and bottom caps cannot be screwed on finger tight . The caps aren't machined very well and will "cross thread" and slip across the the threading repeatedly . Try out every aspect of the horn you are looking to buy, test the tightness of the caps, and look over everything about it before you commit. Buyers Beware of quality of work put into these, they are designed well and sound good, but make sure the components are up to YOUR expectations. Rant Over...

[Daniel C. Oberloh]

Had one in the shop about two weeks ago. Nice looking tuba. Played okay. The owner liked it quite a bit. Same issues mentioned by tubatom91. It had some pretty poor fitting top caps and the pistons were not sporting the tolerances I come to expect in a new instrument. The valve casing design does not have soldered on top casing screw-threads, allowing for thread replacement so correcting the poor thread fit in the future, will require a bit more effort and expense. OUCH! Too bad, I had high hopes for this line. Maybe they have since addressed the matter.

If I remember correctly, the price paid was about $4700. It was silver plated.


Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
http://www.oberloh.com" target="_blank

[phaymore]

Well, this doesn't sound too promising...

[phaymore]

Any updates out there?

Patrick

[TUbajohn20J]

I played the one at TMEA in Feb and loved it. I don't remember any valve issues that were mentioned although I did take the valves out to oil them. I don't remember seeing anything funny. In my opinion it was the best BBb at TMEA very easy blowing and the notes slot very well, especially in the high register. The lows pop out so easy also. My friend actually bought the floor model at TMEA and he loves it as well. I will ask him for his input and see if he has any issues with his. They cost about $8,200 now if I'm not mistaken. I don't see how the were under $5,000 last year. Maybe they made improvements and bumped the price up a bit ? Regardless, it's a very great horn.

[phaymore]

I would appreciate you asking him about his experience so far.

I have the same feeling about the horn as you did. I thought it was the best BBb at Midwest and that included the M-W Fafner. I like the horn enough that I am seriously considering selling my Miraphone 1291 5V BBb. The only think holding me back is the build quality concerns.

Patrick

[Alex C]

They cost about $8,200 now if I'm not mistaken. I don't see how the were under $5,000 last year. Maybe they made improvements and bumped the price up a bit ? Regardless, it's a very great horn.

I have not seen a price as high as $8200. I googled a $4400 price here if you are interested. The list price on that website was $7200.

The German CC at Dillion's is listed in lacquer at about $9500, I can't see anyone listing the J-700 at $8200.

If you have problems with the threads on the piston valve caps, contact the W.Nirschl brass division at Gemstone Musical Instruments and tell them. I bet you dollars to doughnuts they will fix it. I would be surprised if they know there's a problem.

I almost bit on a CC last year myself but it's hard to let go of a horn that you know works in so many different venues.

[TUbajohn20J]

That's probably an old listing, as there are zero in stock. I have the brochure straight from the Nirschl booth at TMEA. And the silver J-700's are over $8,200 and that is how much they sell for now. Laqcuer is about a grand cheaper I'm guessing. I will find the brochure tomorrow and let you know for sure.

[Alex C]

Thanks.

[phaymore]

It's been a few months...anyone purchased one? Thoughts?

Patrick

[Mike56]

I got to play on the prototype before it went into production. I only got to spend about a half an hour but I was quite impressed with the response of the instrument especially in the upper register. I looked into ordering one and was quoted a price of $4600 in silver. it took to long for them to start production and I never ordered. I also got the thinking that prototypes usually play better that the massed produced horn. I have not seen one since they came out. I did make a big deal to the rep about where the thumb brace was placed. It was not comfortable. I wondered if they changed it.

[Dan Schultz]

Don't know if applicable to this thread but I received a message from Walter Nirschl via my Facebook account... as follows:

Dear tubafriends,

15 years ago, in 1996 we started sales of the Meister Walter Nirschl CSO YORK tuba copy

After more than 2 years of development together with Floyd Cooley the first 3 instruments were sold to Simon Styles, Richard Nahatzki and Floyd Cooley.

15 years later, I have to say that the whole project was and still is a success story, selling 130 instruments !

On the occasion of this anniversary I want to share that success with all tuba players in the world and make the following offer:

15 pieces ”Meister Walter Nirschl YORK Model" tubas with 15 % discount

12.750,00 (normally 15.000,00) Euro net ex our factory!

5.000,00 (normally 6.000,00) Euro deposit with the order and the rest when the tuba is ready.

As usual you can buy direct at the factory in Geretsried, Germany.

You are more than welcome to pick your instrument out of a batch of 3 - 4 instruments and spend a few nice days here in Bavaria.
Pick up service from and to Munich airport and sightseeing tour included.

Looking forward to meeting you in Geretsried.

Please use my e-mail address: walter@walternirschl.de" target="_blank .

[bisontuba]

Dan-
Great info from a very smart German manufacturer! Thanks.
mark

[Alex C]

caveat emptor