MackBrass, Schiller, JinBao, Etc

[Heavy_Metal]

Right, it should have been JZ.... don't know how that happened.... but I'm told that's who supplies Dillon's house brand tubas. Baltimore Brass sells them too, but under the JZ brand name.

[Levaix]

I always seem to be the one to bring this up... Keep an eye out for old German stencil horns. Mine says Sonora on the bell, other names include Karl Zeiss, Schneider, Musica (Musika?), etc. They are handmade B&S tubas that usually sell for under 2000 dollars. Even if you find an ugly one they play wonderfully.

All that said, I've been seeing less of them lately so it might be a bit of a wait. And I have heard good things about Mack Brass, at least from a customer service aspect.

[GC]

I think Cerveny has also made horns for some of these companies.

[soitscometothis]

I would also check out this one.

http://northernlowbrass.webs.com/apps/w ... ow/3908710" target="_blank

[Ace]

I will probably go to Dillons and see what they have. I actually decided to look in the used market since i'm low on cash. Any BBb Tuba or Sousaphone should do. I just need something to play on that plays well and in key. Something i can do events with possibly too. If anyone has a tuba or sousaphone for sale for about $1300 or less feel free to message me.

PM sent. -Ace

[Sandlapper]

Just a thought, but if you've settled on where you're going to college, do a computer search on community concert bands in the nearby area. One of the bands that I play in owns its tubas, two Yamaha 103s and an old Conn bell front that members can check out. The other band rehearses in a local high school and tuba players have been able to use a school tuba for rehearsals. A lot of community bands have their own web sites and you can get the name of a contact person to check this sort of information.

One comment on buying if that is what you're going to do, I've been really happy with an old Mirafone 186 I got from Dan Schultz sight unseen, and I can't say enough good things about what it was like to do business Dan. Check out Dan's webpage, thevillagetinker.com to see what he's done. Give him a call because he may well have something he hasn't listed.

I commend you for wanting to do something to keep playing. I played through college, but one of the biggest regrets I now have is that I stopped playing when I went to grad school and only picked it back up after a long break. Don't recommend taking 20 or 30 years off. You miss too much fun.
Best wishes as you move forward. Keep Honking

[Jstonell]

I'm a new player (converted from trumpet) and I've been reading all these forums and others to learn all I could about buying a new or used euphonium. I found a great 1933 Pan American 3-valve that plays well with a rich sound for $150 at a local pawn shop. Still, I wasn't satisfied and longed for a 4-valve, more advanced model. After looking at Yamaha 321s and Jupiters -- even Baltimore Brass's JZ, which I place in that league based on what I've read -- I opted for a new Schiller 400. It has 4 in-line valves and a .566 bore. I paid about $525 at Jim Laabs and it shipped quickly and arrived today. It came double-boxed in a nice case and when I opened it, it was a real beauty. It has a large-bore mouthpiece and a deep, rich tone that's mellower and sweeter than my Pan American. The intonation is great and I find it much easier to play. That is, I can find and articulate and land on notes with greater ease. The valves are tight and fast with great feel. This is an amazing horn for the money and its fit and finish are top-notch. After hunting for an affordable horn that I could grow with, I'm very satisfied and would recommend this horn. I'm looking forward to see how it breaks in, but I sense it will only get better.

[Dan Schultz]

.....I opted for a new Schiller 400. ...... I'm looking forward to see how it breaks in, but I sense it will only get better.

Glad you found a horn you like. Give us a detailed report once you've had an opportunity to spend more time with it.

[bigtubby]

Gotta love Herb's attitude, eh?