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I called Jim Laabs Music last week re the new Schiller five valve CC tuba. Who ever answered the phone said it's a killer horn, well-built, and priced at $1850 with case. I wish someone who lives in that area would go in, try it, and report back. I'd buy it in a heartbeat if it's a fairly decent horn.

This is a great suggestion Ace. I have placed an order for an Euphonium just before Xmas from Jim Laabs and I am having a somewhat disappointing customer service experience. Having someone go try the instrument in person is a great idea. Taking Jim Laabs salespeople advice on faith is precarious.

I will never buy online from Jim Laabs ever again.

HI-
The so-called 'Schillbrunner' is the Schiller 4 rotor valve BBb tuba that is a copy of the Hirsbrunner HB BBb (I have not played a BBb Schiller tuba)--the 'Schilleraphone' -or what have you- is the CC 5 valve rotor horn that is a copy of the 186. In lacquer, the 186 copy IS a great horn-period. I own one & have used it quite a bit the last 2 months and it plays great. They had a 186 copy on ebay for Buy It Now for $1885.
I know of a few folks waiting for their Schiller Comp. Euphoniums that are back ordered--the word has gotten out (I own one of these too & it is fantastic) and they are waiting for the latest batch from China. When I have talked to Laabs Music, I usually ask for Jeff or Todd (Tel.# 800-657-5125)--either one has been able to answer my questions ASAP. Good luck!
Regards-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com" target="_blank

Having owned, played and had stolen, the BBb 4 V Schillbrunner, my opinion is that it is built like a tank and weighs like one, too. It has the sound and vibrations (bear in mind, I'm deaf) of, what I would consider a 5/4 horn. The opinion as to sound is very obvious to my ensemble-mates. I was always too 'present' in brass sections; overpowering the EEb Getzen MW, next to me. Mind you; that was at pianissimo - fortissimo shook the room!

I had a great difficulty in filling the larger bore (from the prior BBb 186 Mira, that I owned). The bore is .787 and that little .15 difference was glaringly obvious. The horn was not played for a great length of time, before it was stolen, but I think I could have overcome the problem. I found the horn to play better at A=443. The horn was not in tune with itself, presenting myriad problems with 'on the fly' tuning (yes, I could feel the tuning and see it very clearly on the tuner sitting on my stand).

I hope someone finds this post interesting. I bore even myself.

jmerring wrote:Having owned, played and had stolen, the BBb 4 V Schillbrunner, my opinion is that it is built like a tank and weighs like one, too. It has the sound and vibrations (bear in mind, I'm deaf) of, what I would consider a 5/4 horn. The opinion as to sound is very obvious to my ensemble-mates. I was always too 'present' in brass sections; overpowering the EEb Getzen MW, next to me. Mind you; that was at pianissimo - fortissimo shook the room!

I own a Schillbruner too and jm is right: a BIG horn with a big sound and I also consider it a 5/4 horn (especially when the sucker weighs over 24lbs!). I use it in all 3 of my ensembles and have received quite a few compliments about it---definitely a winner and a keeper. Any intonation problems will clear up once you take time getting used to playing a large bore horn. VERY happy with my Schillbrunner!