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I liked the playing characteristics of the Jupiter 582s that I have tried. The ergonomics worked for me, but some people have found them awkward. You really need to try to find somewhere to try out horns before buying. You don't identify where you are, but here are some good used horns to look at:

http://www.dillonmusic.com/Used_Instrum ... ed%20Tubas

http://www.baltimorebrass.net/index.php?cat=5#used

http://www.1800usaband.com/htmls/catview.asp

I find the 2nd valve slide to be a little too long.I think this has been discussed a long time ago here.I've got a student playing a school-owned one and the 2nd valve notes tend to all be flat.

I went through this same exercise a little over a year ago. As posted above, you can get a great slightly used 186 for the price of a new Jupiter 582, and it will last longer.

The problem I had with the Jupiters I tried were that they had an upper dynamic limit and got blatty really quickly. Also, the "open wrap" that is supposed to be designed for good tone is, quite simply, a dent magnet. One mishap, and instead of just rubbing out a dent in the bugle, you're in the shop for major surgery on the individual valve tubing.

I can't comment about the newer stainless valves, because the one I tried had the older plated valves which were already about worn out. But a friend of mine has a Jupiter upright 4-valve euph that the valves are good. And, the company has under new management increased quality in recent years.

All that said, I still went with the known quantity of a used 186 instead.

Moreover, the price of a new Jupiter 582 is approaching that of a King 1241, which is definitely superior for a piston tuba.

I would definitely recommend you trying to get your hands on a VMI 3310 BBb. Wonderful horn. Good feel and sound. I think you'd be pleased.

I got a short loan fromthe company rep of one of the Jupiters, after the valve change to stainless (aren't they monel now?).

The two groups I played it with actually loved the sound. I was surprised.

1st slide is annoying, but if you own a YFB-621, it's not too big of a deal.

I prefer the silver ones I played later on. They're a little more vbrant and interesting sounding to my ear.

Jupiter quality is increasing dramatically. Our shop has had a few top-line saxes, trumpets and trombones come through and they were built very well and sounded very good - the saxophone especially!

I happen to prefer how this instrument plays next to the 186 BBbs (not the CCs, though). YMMV.

Yes, there are good used instruments for the cost, but get what you feel is comfortable, easy for you to play, and allows your utmost personal expression. Then buy a used Alexander 163

J.c.S.

pierso20 wrote:I would definitely recommend you trying to get your hands on a VMI 3310 BBb. Wonderful horn. Good feel and sound. I think you'd be pleased.

Did you mean to say 3301?

Well, I've heard some good things about the horns made by York. In fact, there's one in very excellent condition for sale for about $1,000 less than one of those new Jupiter 582Ls.

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