TubeNet

I'm looking at the JBBB-200 and 210 at Mack Tuba's website. The 200 is a slightly
smaller copy of an Alex and the 210 is a copy of a 4/4 Hirsbrunner. I'm interested
in any comments or experience you may have with these as far as comparing their
efficiency, sound, intonation, etc.

I'm considering one of these or an older King 1241 or a similar, slightly larger old
Reynolds. Any thoughts on this purchase are appreciated. I'm a rank amateur on tuba
(have played trumpet for about 8 years) who would eventually like to play in
community groups.

A student of mine got one of the Alex copies recently. Build quality is acceptable for the price. The valves appear to need an alignment(but otherwise work well) and the receiver is soldered on at a slight downward angle, nothing insurmountable. The case is kind of sketchy, but it is a hard case with wheels. Sound production is pretty easy with a Conn Helleberg mouthpiece. Tom was great working with her to get the right tuba.
jc

A friend of mine has the Hirsbrunner copy. Although it is not to the build quality of horns tens of thousands more. It is a great tuba for the money. When you need a horn and are on a tight budget, it is great choice especially if you can try it first. The 18 inch bell resonates fairly well and the sound is even. It does have a few "out" notes but for 1800 bucks it definetly works well. If by chance you can get your hands on an older horn you may be impressed by the feel of those great old horns.

The 200 has a more direct German tone - in slightly reverberant acoustics projects particularly well. Is almost like a baby Hilgers. Low register is exceptional.

The 210 has a broader more American tone. This will work well for Brass Band use.

Both models are good players - I have received good feedback using either.

Any more opinions on the 200 vs the 210 from somebody who has tried both?

Curmudgeon wrote:

JCradler wrote:The valves appear to need an alignment(but otherwise work well) and the receiver is soldered on at a slight downward angle, nothing insurmountable.

If it was a new/recent purchase, I bet the seller could (would want to...?) solve all that pretty easily. Might be worth a phone call by her or her parents to him...?

After a year owning this horn for over a year I would be more than happy to take care any issues encountered as this is the first I have heard of the problem. As to build quality and sound, this are getting better as we have sold over 700 instruments this year and not one tuba has come back. Not everyone can afford a 10 thousand dollar horn and those that buy these are very excited to be able to purchase them. There will always be the nay say ers on stuff made in China but all I can say is they are here and not going anywhere. Things are only getting better and the Wisemann 900 is proof. To date we have sold over 1300 instruments with only 7 returns as I only select the best stuff being made. I admit there is still a lot of garbage being made and as long as dealers that continue to sell them because they have no clue as to what they are selling this will continue to place a dark cloud over all horns made in China, this is a true shame.

Tom

.

I liked the 186 CC copy I had for a while. It was not the greatest tuba, but it was a decidedly good tuba.
As most high school/early college kids play BBb, I was wondering which one of these might be better to recommend. On the past couple years, it seems that they have gotten most of the bugs worked out and these two are good horns, just wondered which one might be preferred.
Marty "who buys AC Delco replacement parts for his American car... that are all labeled Made in China"

MartyNeilan wrote:As most high school/early college kids play BBb, I was wondering which one of these might be better to recommend. On the past couple years, it seems that they have gotten most of the bugs worked out and these two are good horns, just wondered which one might be preferred.

Unless anyone particularly wants a German tuba sound I always recommend the 210, as it is a lot more compact and manageable to handle. Also more adaptable as its broader tone blends much better in a brass band.