TubeNet

Hi-
While browsing, I noticed that both Dillon and Baltimore Brass (JZ model) have lowered their 186 5v CC clone copies to under $2,100!! And, better yet, M&M has their 186 5v clone copy now for $1,877! Wow!! These 186 clones play so well---these are really great deals for anyone looking for a CC. FYI.
Regards-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com" target="_blank

Damn, someone buy my 2J so I can get meself a 186 copy..

HI-
For large tubas, they (M&M) charge $190 for shipping--fully insured, and they are WELL packed--a bit high, but I'd rather have a horn arrive safely. I don't know what Baltimore Brass charges to ship tubas & hard cases, but Dillon has free shipping EXCEPT on tubas--I don't know their shipping prices for tubas and hard cases either. Jim Laabs/Schiller was shipping horns via FedEx but ran into problems with FedEx and damage, so they now ship via truck, so the shipping charge has gone up. I think Tuba Exchange has free shipping though but they can have higher horn prices at times.
Hope that helps.
mark

If i remember correctly, my Shillaphone from jimlaabs cost around $160 for shipping. It came on a truck via a national carrier. The thing was in a big box which was strapped to a pallet. No damage whatsoever to the outside box, not even stray marks on it. The pallet added enough weight so no one was going to pick up and toss the whole package around. The extra cost was worth having to hassle with someone about who is responsible for damage and the time lost while things were made good.

Mine was one of the last shipped by FedEx. Both the case and the horn were damaged. FedEx did not want to be very helpful. Troy Laabs and Jeff Garsmoke (sp?) stepped up to the plate and took good care of me. Based on that experience, I would definitely deal with them again.

That horn is now in the very happy hands of a high school senior and promising tuba student. I could not think of a better "all-purpose" CC for someone on a tight budget to take to college. His father, a pro trombone player, has been very impressed with it so far.

By the way, I believe Baltimore Brass "mods" their clones. And according to Matt's Note, Mr. Dillon has a rep that selects their clones at the plant. So...I think the quality control is quite high on the external side of things. Everything in between is still questionable (not particularly by me, though).

Joseph