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I was recently invited to John Packers in the South of England to try out their newest brass range. It is incredible to see trombones and trumpets available for under £100 that will actually stand a beginner in good stead.

What impressed me most of all though was their EEb student tuba http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/instruments/101895.htm" target="_blank . The lead pipe was lower than on my 982 Sovereign and the position and wrap around gave you a perfect playing position when seated. Although the build quality was not up there with the Yamaha Maestro, it is obviously a good attempt at making an afforable version. The tone is good although the provided mouthpiece is small, you would need to change it! Price includes a good wheeled case which is astonishing value.

Don’t remember having heard of them before.

Do they have the common 17.5mm/0.689" bore?

Are they compact like the 982 or broader like the 981?

Which material is used for the pistons?

Klaus

Hi Klaus, I believe they are more like the 981 in terms of broadness, and it is the 17.5mm bore. The instrument I played was a nice one. John Packers originally were a large music store in the South of England, and like many stores, started to manufacture their own instruments for students. These instruments are made in China but in very well approved factories. Mick Rath, famed trombone maker from the UK has been out to oversee trombone production. Based in Taunton in Somerset I think so well worth a stop by if you are ever in the area!

tubapower... about how many beginners start on EEb in the UK? I have heard that it happens but have no idea to its frequency.

Most beginners that start will start on the single Eb, and then move onto the EEb when they are big enough.If they start later then they will most likely start on the EEb straight away. This is pretty much exclusively the case across the country. Some teachers of the brass band movement may start children on Bb tubas but Bb's over here are generally regarded as Brass Band instruments. What do people start on with you?

Best,

TP

djwesp wrote:how many beginners start on EEb in the UK?

The vast majority of beginners in the UK start on an Eb of some sort. A lot only ever learn to play Eb - much like BBb in the states. Of those that do eventually play BBb, most will be with brass bands reading treble clef music.

CC and F are only usually ever used by orchestral players in the UK (and even then some only play EEb).