TubeNet

Hello everyone. For the past couple of years I have been using a Schiller CC 5v horn that has been great. I know that some of the clones are hit and miss. Im giving serious thought to the Schiller Eb, which when it came out a couple of years ago was getting decent reviews. So Im wondering if anyone here has one and what your experience has been. As I said my CC has been great, but Im doing some Brass band work and hence the Eb. My biggest concern is with the valves. I know some of the valve clones from Asia have been known to be noisy, and that would be a non starter for me. Thoughts?

Hi-
You would want their piston '3+1' full size model, not the 'gentleman's size' model. The horn they offer is a Besson clone--many people import this clone. Excellent tuba.
Good luck.
Mark

Just know that Laabs will not refund anything if you aren't satisfied with it. Store credit only.

Both MackBrass and Wessex will give you a refund, and MackBrass (at least, don't know about Wessex) will actually pay the return shipping. Something to think about.

I have played an MM 3+1 EEb Fletcher clone for the past year. It is overall a good instrument for the money. The valves were very noisy at first. However, The noise problem was significantly reduced when I replaced the valve guides, springs, and felts. The valves do require a lot of maintenance. The valves also require a significant break in period. I had to have my valves lapped in order to work properly. I have played this tuba side by side with a new Besson for the past year. Overall, the Mm EEb has performed quite well for the money, but the Besson that it copies is far superior in quality. From my experience with this EEb copy, you do get what you pay for.

If you're going in this direction, go with Wessex or Mack Brass. Wessex offers the EEb with a raised lead pipe The Mack Brass instrument will cost you less. Think about what's important to you and make the decision based on that.

Jim Laabs will swap instruments or give you an in store credit. I have purchased a few instruments from Jim Laabs music store. One of the instruments I purchased was damaged, so I returned it and they replaced it. I had one instrument that I didnt like the way it played, so I returned it and they shipped me a different one. Good luck with your purchase. I have bought 2 Schiller trombones and a Schiller BBb tuba, all of which were great instruments for the money. However, I would highly recommend purchasing the EEb tuba from Mack Brass over Jim Laabs. Tom Mcgrady of Mack Brass carefully inspects and play tests all of the instruments he sells. You will get a "good" one with Mack Brass.