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This morning, I spent quite a bit of quality time at Baltimore Brass Company with their CC tuba made for them by JZ. I was very impressed by the instrument! The workmanship is superb. It has a great sound with even response through all registers. I played it for about 20 minutes without an electronic tuner. Then, I asked for a tuning device to verify what I was hearing. The intonation is excellent! The partials of the open horn are right where they are supposed to be. I have only played one other CC tuba, a Hirsbrunner, that lined up so well. The price, under $3,000.00 brand new, is unbelievable. I heartily recommend this instrument.

If you could, what would you compare the sound to (ie. Brand/Make of horn)?

I looked this up on their site. Is JZ's other name Jinbao? Looks like it.

I'm something of a cheerleader for Jinbao, but not for what some American companies are making of their products. I think they should get control of their brand and try to be the next Yamaha. If I were their CEO, that's what I would be working on.

I heard a similar review from another pro tuba player (not Dave Fedderly) in Baltimore.

I played the used copy of the 188 two days ago and it was excellent not only in playing but build quality. It plays like a 188 except it has a low register. I would encourage anyone that needs a great all around horn to check it out at $1900.00 you can't go wrong. Also, Dave is great to deal with and a straight shooter

Rivercity Tuba wrote:I played the used copy of the 188 two days ago and it was excellent not only in playing but build quality. It plays like a 188 except it has a low register. I would encourage anyone that needs a great all around horn to check it out at $1900.00 you can't go wrong. Also, Dave is great to deal with and a straight shooter

Yes, the low register on a 188 isn't quite as "automatic" as on some tubas, particularly larger bore ones. But I've always found it to be solid, pleasing, and maybe just a little bit different of an airstream needed. Like a low C on an F tuba, but not nearly as extreme. Just have to work with the tuba, not against it.

What are the bore/bell size of the JZ?

I guess my rebellion will be to buy a real 188.

The JZ tubas marked with, "Baltimore Brass Company" on the bell are ones that incorporated, from Dave Fedderly, suggestions for improvements over JZ's original model. The price I was quoted for the tuba was in the mid $2000.00's, but, still an incredible deal.

The tuba played like what I remember of a Mirafone 188, but better, all around.