TubeNet

I have just been to the Beijing Music Fair and thought you would like to see some of the tubas there. The fair is similar to Frankfurt, but much smaller for tubas and mostly displaying Chinese made products, although I did spot one Miraphone euphonium.

Wisemann and JinBao stands

JinBao stand

Jinbao Stand

Am I the only one who noticed what looks to be a fiberglass contra style tuba in the background?

Jeffrey Hicks wrote:Am I the only one who noticed what looks to be a fiberglass contra style tuba in the background?

You see correct. It is in the catalogue I picked up - in fact two different models are available

Jonathan-
Excellent pics! Will look forward to more reports!
Regards-
mark

Would you say a word or two about your impressions of the Jinbao 800? I'd love to get a chance to try one out, but no one who keeps them in stock is within striking distance. I've seen and made note of Dan Schultz's view that most people in his experience can't tell when he's playing his 800 and when he's got the real 1291. I have enjoyed noodling around on an acquaintance's 1291, but as a community band hack I'm never likely to feel that paying that price is worth it. But this Jinbao keeps calling my name. What did you think of it?

Great pics, Jonathan! Post more if you've got 'em! Also interested in the meeting with Mickey W. . .

goodgigs wrote:Neptune,
I've got to ask the obvious question; is the Jinyin contra real fiberglass, or has somebody bin watching the tubenet ?

Second question; did you meet with Mickey ?

Yes, the Jinyan contra really are fiberglass! (please direct me to thread you are referring). I will pass on order details to Al/Tom in case any USA TubeNeters want to get one. I did not pay much attention, as contra are not used in the UK, but may go back and look if there is enough interest.

Not met Micky yet (he was busy yesterday), but hope to soon.

talleyrand wrote:Would you say a word or two about your impressions of the Jinbao 800?

I only played in the elephant room with LOTS of noise, but I very much liked. I am not myself so into front piston valve tubas, but this had good full sound and the valves seemed as good (better than some) as much more expensive tubas I have tried.

I have this model on order and will review (maybe post clip on YouTube) once received.

the elephant wrote:She is positive that you are furtively snapping a shot of her

I do enjoy visits to China for the good looking women

More pics by request

and more from Jinyin stand

What I don't understand is this: so many companies now sell Chinese made instruments, but to the best of my knowledge all of them sell them under "house" brands. One company even calls their horns "American Heritage" and have "Frankfurt Germany" engraved on the bell. It seems very close to deceptive marketing, I think. I've heard almost all good about the quality and sound of these Tubas, and in fact I'm going to buy one myself (one of the ones pictured above, in silver that is captioned as being in the "Swiss" style, actually), so is it just a general antipathy towards Chinese made products here in the US (and I'm supposing the UK, too) that causes this? I mean, if the company is okay with selling Chinese horns, why are they not okay with selling Chinese horns, i.e. Chinese brands. Did that make sense?

Aardvark892 wrote:so is it just a general antipathy towards Chinese made products

I think it is! However, those people who say they would never buy Chinese tuba are probably using Chinese computer and lots of other Chinese made things in their house. But because they are sold with western brand names, they quietly forget.

I think there is a lot of that in the tuba selling companies using their own brand, to try and make buyers forget the origin, and therefore be more receptive.

There is also the matter that most western buyers will have never heard of the Chinese brand, with possibly the exception of Jinbao (which is just one of many manufacturers).

KiltieTuba wrote:OOH fiberglass!
Two different models you say? Sounds interesting, what're the specs?

370mm bell and 16.8mm bore (which they call entry model)
485mm bell and 16mm bore

Neptune wrote:

KiltieTuba wrote:OOH fiberglass!
Two different models you say? Sounds interesting, what're the specs?

370mm bell and 16.8mm bore (which they call entry model)
485mm bell and 16mm bore

Will there be a Fiberglass/resin tuba at any time? Sure would be neat, like the old Martins, for dixieland, etc.

Hi Jonathan, what a great pleasure to read about everything in the threads from the far east and see all pictures. Almost like being there.
I wonder if you have seen any cimbassi? Jinbao, and possibly others, make a contrabass trombone, but a cimbasso?

Lingon wrote:I wonder if you have seen any cimbassi? Jinbao, and possibly others, make a contrabass trombone, but a cimbasso?

Hi John, Have not seen any cimbasso, or know of anyone who makes. I think the nearest is an F contrabass trombone. I guess another new model for the future?

I at least now know the process for putting new models into production, but need good sales to finance