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I think you will find the lower line that WW/BW carries are of the same origin as the 'First Act' instruments that are sold by Costco, Sam's, and Wal-Mart. As far as I'm concerned the jury is still out as to the playability and repairability of these instruments.
One of our community band members is currently playing one of the generic saxes from Woodwind/Brasswind and he loves it!
I don't think Woodwind/Brasswind would risk their good name selling junk. Many repairmen are reluctant to work on anything other that the old standard 'name brands' for which they can easily obtain parts. However... from my perspective, everything deserves and chance. If the kids at your school take care of instruments like the ones I usually work on, they aren't going to last long, anyway!
At the present time, I would spend my money on a used Conn, King, or Yamaha before I would buy a shiney new First Act or Jimbao for the same price.

Time will tell.

PhilW. wrote:I'm pretty sure they're made by VMI.

Some of the Alloras may have been made by VMI, but the ones I'm seeing in their catalog now look like copies of Miraphones (I mean, exact copies right down to the model numbers). I don't think VMI would be doing that, but Jinbao (or someone like them) might be.

Rick "who thinks VMI's are good enough not to need to copy anyone else" Denney

I have seen Amati instruments with the WW/BW logo engraved on them, and they probably have some Asian suppliers, too. If you really want to buy a cheap stencil instrument, WW/BW would probably be the safest place to buy one from.
That said, I would personally prefer to purchase a Weril instrument or instruments, which are steadily gaining reputation as a quality low-cost alternative for schools. Several of the school systems I do repairs for now have Weril brasses. The cost- and frequency of repairs is pretty low, so their reliability and satisfaction index is running pretty high.

Allora (at least the euphoniums) are made by VMI. I know because I had one and it had VMI accessories with it. If you're into pulling slides continuosly (a whole step flat on some notes), go for it. I sent mine back after 3 days. I think the Werils are a much better by on the cheapo.

Anybody know anything about the "barrington" tubas in the WWBW catalog?

Art Hovey wrote:Anybody know anything about the "barrington" tubas in the WWBW catalog?

Similar sources as those described above. China and Taiwan. There are others... like Rosetti trumpets.

Roger Lewis (tuba guru at WW/BW) lurks here. Maybe he can say 'zacly where the Barrington horns originate.

Some of the offshore stuff is pretty good and some is absolute crap. The fact is that many parts are not made where you think. Often, the manufacturer is actually nothing more than a final assembly point. Sometimes it goes as far as taking it out of an import box and putting it in another one with a different name. Like anything else... try it before you buy it. Even some of the respectable manufacturers produce a dud once in a while.