List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
- SousaWarrior9
- 3 valves
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- Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2011 6:22 pm
List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
While there's still a far amount of brass instrument makers out there, it seems like fewer and fewer offer tubas in their catalog. What follows is a list of every factory and/or custom shop I can think of off the top of my head that's is both currently in business as of present day, and is currently making tubas. I'm only doing this because I'm sure I'm missing some and I'd love for the rest of y'all to fill in the gaps for me.
A few notes to consider:
-I'm attempting to list locations of manufacturing as apposed to locations of organizational leadership
-In cases where an entity has some manufacturing done locally and "budget" lines produced overseas, I am listing the local manufacturing under the heading of the associated brand name, and listing the Chinese makers as their own entities
Here's what I can recall:
Austria:
-Schagerl
Brasil:
-Weril
China:
-Eastman
-Packer
-JinBao
-Zo
-JinYin
-Haushen
-[Others that I am missing, please feel free to provide corrections or chime in with others]
Czechia:
-Josef Lidl (Lidl, Cerveny)
Germany:
-Alexander
-Buffet Group (Meinl Weston, Besson, B&S)
-Herrmann Schmidt
-Jestädt
-Klingspor (Gronitz)
-Miraphone
-MTP
-Rudolf Meinl
-Thein
-Walter Nirschl
-[Others?]
India:
-Nadir Ali
-[Additional factories in Meerut]
Japan:
-Yamaha
Netherlands:
-Adams
Ukraine (Not Russia)
-St. Petersburg
Switzerland:
-Willson
Taiwan:
-Jupiter
U.S.A:
-Conn-Selmer (Conn, King)
-Lee Stofer
Alright, who am I missing? I'm sure there are loads of factories throughout China that I'm missing as well as some boutique makers in Germany and elsewhere in mainland Europe that I've missed as well. Help me fill in the list.
A few notes to consider:
-I'm attempting to list locations of manufacturing as apposed to locations of organizational leadership
-In cases where an entity has some manufacturing done locally and "budget" lines produced overseas, I am listing the local manufacturing under the heading of the associated brand name, and listing the Chinese makers as their own entities
Here's what I can recall:
Austria:
-Schagerl
Brasil:
-Weril
China:
-Eastman
-Packer
-JinBao
-Zo
-JinYin
-Haushen
-[Others that I am missing, please feel free to provide corrections or chime in with others]
Czechia:
-Josef Lidl (Lidl, Cerveny)
Germany:
-Alexander
-Buffet Group (Meinl Weston, Besson, B&S)
-Herrmann Schmidt
-Jestädt
-Klingspor (Gronitz)
-Miraphone
-MTP
-Rudolf Meinl
-Thein
-Walter Nirschl
-[Others?]
India:
-Nadir Ali
-[Additional factories in Meerut]
Japan:
-Yamaha
Netherlands:
-Adams
Ukraine (Not Russia)
-St. Petersburg
Switzerland:
-Willson
Taiwan:
-Jupiter
U.S.A:
-Conn-Selmer (Conn, King)
-Lee Stofer
Alright, who am I missing? I'm sure there are loads of factories throughout China that I'm missing as well as some boutique makers in Germany and elsewhere in mainland Europe that I've missed as well. Help me fill in the list.
Last edited by SousaWarrior9 on Fri Mar 04, 2022 12:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Some men are macho men. Others are Martin men"
It's that word "handcraft"...
It's that word "handcraft"...
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Interesting.
Can I say that it's so sad not to see the UK listed.
Our great manufacturing history gone in a generation.
If I win the lottery over this weekend I'll set a factory up.
Can I say that it's so sad not to see the UK listed.
Our great manufacturing history gone in a generation.
If I win the lottery over this weekend I'll set a factory up.
- Douglas
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Mack is mostly JinBao. To categorize them with ZO and no JB seems inaccurate.
Doug Black, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Music, Alabama A&M University
Eastman Tuba Artist
Assistant Professor of Music, Alabama A&M University
Eastman Tuba Artist
- iiipopes
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Wessex: based in UK, has a branch and warehouse in the USA, manufactured in China.
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/
Jupiter JTU1110, RT-82.
"Real" Conn 36K.
"Real" Conn 36K.
- SousaWarrior9
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Good point, I'll edit the list
True, though I'm attempting to compile the list based on the location of manufacturing as opposed to location of organizational leadership, etc.iiipopes wrote: ↑Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:18 am Wessex: based in UK, has a branch and warehouse in the USA, manufactured in China.
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/
"Some men are macho men. Others are Martin men"
It's that word "handcraft"...
It's that word "handcraft"...
- circusboy
- 4 valves
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- Location: City of Angels
Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
What's the story with Lidl/Cerveny? Is it that Cerveny is out of business, but Lidl is now making some of their BBb and F models (but not CC nor EEb)? Are they manufacturing at the old Cerveny factory?
Sad also not to see Kanstul, Getzen, Hirsbrunner, and many of the older American names.
Sad also not to see Kanstul, Getzen, Hirsbrunner, and many of the older American names.
- SousaWarrior9
- 3 valves
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Long story short as I understand it, Cerveny had fallen on financially hard times and was forced to close, Lidl swooped in immediately and hired all the Amati/Cerveny workers back under them. So the exact same workers in the exact same factory are making the Cerveny designs as they always were, it's just under ownership of Lidl now. Strange that Lidl isn't listing the CC of Eb designs on their site, but if the nature of the buyout is as I understand it, all the tooling and parts are still there, so I'd imagine one could still order one if they asked.circusboy wrote: ↑Fri Mar 04, 2022 1:58 pm What's the story with Lidl/Cerveny? Is it that Cerveny is out of business, but Lidl is now making some of their BBb and F models (but not CC nor EEb)? Are they manufacturing at the old Cerveny factory?
Sad also not to see Kanstul, Getzen, Hirsbrunner, and many of the older American names.
Agreed that its sad to see no Kansttul. Getzen is still going strong however, just not making tubas, so they aren't on this list, but Lee Stofer is Making his custom tubas with the remaining new old stock Getzen parts, so they're still on this list in a way.
"Some men are macho men. Others are Martin men"
It's that word "handcraft"...
It's that word "handcraft"...
- iiipopes
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Yes. Having worked with the logistical details of setting up business entities all my professional life, you can't divorce the location of the headquarters from the location of the factory. This Wessex web page goes into detail about the factory:SousaWarrior9 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 04, 2022 12:24 pmGood point, I'll edit the list
True, though I'm attempting to compile the list based on the location of manufacturing as opposed to location of organizational leadership, etc.iiipopes wrote: ↑Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:18 am Wessex: based in UK, has a branch and warehouse in the USA, manufactured in China.
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/pages/about-us
And the blog talks about the location and other details, here are two example blog posts:
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/blogs/news/ ... ory-part-1
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/blogs/news/ ... ory-part-2
I guess we all thought that once we provided you the basic information (pun intended) on any particular manufacturer, you would be doing your own research to flesh out the rest of the details you wish to compile, as in possibly the longevity of the factory, models produced, notable players of particular instruments, and so forth. For example, on a public corporation, the annual filing should have the major facilities listed, including addresses of factories and major branches of the business.
Jupiter JTU1110, RT-82.
"Real" Conn 36K.
"Real" Conn 36K.
- SousaWarrior9
- 3 valves
- Posts: 428
- Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2011 6:22 pm
Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
My apologies for not being clearer, my intent wasn't to divorce the locations of headquarters from manufacturing, but rater so simply say, for example: "JinBao is one of the factories where brass instruments are made. How many other brass instrument factories that are producing tubas are still active?"iiipopes wrote: ↑Fri Mar 04, 2022 3:02 pm Yes. Having worked with the logistical details of setting up business entities all my professional life, you can't divorce the location of the headquarters from the location of the factory. This Wessex web page goes into detail about the factory:
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/pages/about-us
And the blog talks about the location and other details, here are two example blog posts:
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/blogs/news/ ... ory-part-1
https://us.wessex-tubas.com/blogs/news/ ... ory-part-2
I guess we all thought that once we provided you the basic information (pun intended) on any particular manufacturer, you would be doing your own research to flesh out the rest of the details you wish to compile, as in possibly the longevity of the factory, models produced, notable players of particular instruments, and so forth. For example, on a public corporation, the annual filing should have the major facilities listed, including addresses of factories and major branches of the business.
I only initially listed Wessex as a point of reference since it is one of the most well-known brandings coming from there, to attempt to provide some context.
I'm well aware of Wessex's UK and US operations, having visited the US showroom myself, and I'm thankful for the information they've provided, so I'm not trying to misrepresent them in any way with this list.
"Some men are macho men. Others are Martin men"
It's that word "handcraft"...
It's that word "handcraft"...
- T. J. Ricer
- pro musician
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Thomas J. Ricer, DMA
Royal Hawaiian Band - University of Hawaii at Manoa - Yamaha Performing Artist
http://www.TJRicer.com
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." -John Lennon
Royal Hawaiian Band - University of Hawaii at Manoa - Yamaha Performing Artist
http://www.TJRicer.com
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." -John Lennon
- Snake Charmer
- bugler
- Posts: 145
- Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:34 am
- Location: Schifferstadt, Germany
Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Not to forget Klingspor in Germany, successor of Gronitz.
OK, just saw the edited version of the original post
OK, just saw the edited version of the original post
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- bugler
- Posts: 182
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- Location: Goob
Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Morning,
I know of Mike as he customised my 782: https://youtu.be/KASsK-A4DH0
Knew he manufactures cimbassi, but didn't know that he nailed together bass tubas.
He certainly has the skill-set, not unlike Mark Carter in Wales, but very much artisans, rather than a factory shelling them out for retail.
I'm still gonna have a British factory if I win big on the lottery.
G
- T. J. Ricer
- pro musician
- Posts: 441
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2005 12:17 pm
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
And when I win the lottery, I’ll be right over to buy a tuba from each of you! (and find an English Breakfast or two)
-T. J.
-T. J.
GeoffC_UK wrote: ↑Sun Mar 06, 2022 3:04 am
Morning,
I know of Mike as he customised my 782: https://youtu.be/KASsK-A4DH0
Knew he manufactures cimbassi, but didn't know that he nailed together bass tubas.
He certainly has the skill-set, not unlike Mark Carter in Wales, but very much artisans, rather than a factory shelling them out for retail.
I'm still gonna have a British factory if I win big on the lottery.
G
Thomas J. Ricer, DMA
Royal Hawaiian Band - University of Hawaii at Manoa - Yamaha Performing Artist
http://www.TJRicer.com
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." -John Lennon
Royal Hawaiian Band - University of Hawaii at Manoa - Yamaha Performing Artist
http://www.TJRicer.com
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." -John Lennon
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- Location: Midlands UK
Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
One UK manufacturer to add to the list:- Sterling Musical Instruments
The have a new Virtuosi EE-flat tuba in a similar price range to Besson 981/982. They also include other brass band instruments in their 'Virtuosi' range (Euphonium, Baritone, Tenor Horn etc), endorsed by some of the leading UK brass band players. All instruments stamped 'Made in England'.
From their website:-
"Sterling Musical Instruments have been manufacturing in the UK since 1987, producing brass instruments specifically aimed at the British style brass band.
By employing several Boosey & Hawkes craftsmen, the company was able to rapidly establish itself in the brass band market, producing hand built quality instruments. The next stage of development was to recognise the growing demand by musicians, that not everyone wanted the standard 'off the shelf' instrument. This has resulted in the development of the new 'Sterling Virtuoso Range', which allows musicians to design an instrument that best suits their needs and demands.
The founder and sole owner of Sterling, Paul Riggett (himself an accomplished brass musician), was previously Manufacturing Manager for Boosey & Hawkes Ltd before creating Sterling. As such, he has unequalled experience in the manufacture and design of professional brass instruments."
The have a new Virtuosi EE-flat tuba in a similar price range to Besson 981/982. They also include other brass band instruments in their 'Virtuosi' range (Euphonium, Baritone, Tenor Horn etc), endorsed by some of the leading UK brass band players. All instruments stamped 'Made in England'.
From their website:-
"Sterling Musical Instruments have been manufacturing in the UK since 1987, producing brass instruments specifically aimed at the British style brass band.
By employing several Boosey & Hawkes craftsmen, the company was able to rapidly establish itself in the brass band market, producing hand built quality instruments. The next stage of development was to recognise the growing demand by musicians, that not everyone wanted the standard 'off the shelf' instrument. This has resulted in the development of the new 'Sterling Virtuoso Range', which allows musicians to design an instrument that best suits their needs and demands.
The founder and sole owner of Sterling, Paul Riggett (himself an accomplished brass musician), was previously Manufacturing Manager for Boosey & Hawkes Ltd before creating Sterling. As such, he has unequalled experience in the manufacture and design of professional brass instruments."
UK tuba player
Besson Sovereign 981 (1987)
B&S PT20
Besson Sovereign 981 (1987)
B&S PT20
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
I am currently in discussions with Josef Lidl about the possibility of becoming their US representative. My
contact at Lidl has assured me more than once that, although they currently list only BBb and F models, that
any of the BBb models are also available in CC. I would suspect the same concerning F and Eb. To start with,
I'm seriously considering a trial run, by importing a LBF851-6GZ, a 4+2 rotor F-tuba with rose brass bell and leadpipe,
nickel-silver valve casings, miniball linkage, basically the top-of-the-line F-tuba, so see what they're going to be able
to produce. Lidl is saying that they are serious about quality, and that all of their tubas will have nickel-silver valve
casings, nickel-silver slides and miniball linkage. If you would like to try out a new Lidl 6-rotor F-tuba, or some other
model here in the US, just let me know and I'll see what I can do for you.
contact at Lidl has assured me more than once that, although they currently list only BBb and F models, that
any of the BBb models are also available in CC. I would suspect the same concerning F and Eb. To start with,
I'm seriously considering a trial run, by importing a LBF851-6GZ, a 4+2 rotor F-tuba with rose brass bell and leadpipe,
nickel-silver valve casings, miniball linkage, basically the top-of-the-line F-tuba, so see what they're going to be able
to produce. Lidl is saying that they are serious about quality, and that all of their tubas will have nickel-silver valve
casings, nickel-silver slides and miniball linkage. If you would like to try out a new Lidl 6-rotor F-tuba, or some other
model here in the US, just let me know and I'll see what I can do for you.
Lee A. Stofer, Jr.
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Geneva (https://genevainstruments.com/) are located in the UK. They make very high quality instruments (including tubas) that are manufactured in England.
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
I'd heard that Geneva instruments were manufactured by Cerveny in the Czech factory. Not sure how that stands now with Josef Lidl taking over the Cerveny manufacturing factory?hup_d_dup wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 3:34 pm Geneva (https://genevainstruments.com/) are located in the UK. They make very high quality instruments (including tubas) that are manufactured in England.
UK tuba player
Besson Sovereign 981 (1987)
B&S PT20
Besson Sovereign 981 (1987)
B&S PT20
- Mario Aliste
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Re: List of Active Tuba Manufacturers
Hi everybody,
In Brazil there are 3 brands of tubas:
Weril
Weingrill & Nirschl
HS Musical
The HS Musical is a new brand, but they produced Weril's tubas too.
https://hsmusical.com.br/
https://www.facebook.com/hsindustriamusical/
https://www.instagram.com/hsindustriamusical/
Tks
In Brazil there are 3 brands of tubas:
Weril
Weingrill & Nirschl
HS Musical
The HS Musical is a new brand, but they produced Weril's tubas too.
https://hsmusical.com.br/
https://www.facebook.com/hsindustriamusical/
https://www.instagram.com/hsindustriamusical/
Tks
Weingrill & Nirschl TU1 CC
G & W Bayamo, Perantucci PT-36
G & W Bayamo, Perantucci PT-36