MACK-TU410L Lacquer (4/4 CC Tuba)

[TubaPresident]

Have any of you used the MACK-TU410L Lacquer (4/4 CC Tuba)? If so, is it worth it's money? How well has it performed for your needs?

I know these two questions are more opinion based for those who answer since every player has their own different needs and opinions. But I want to at least have a general idea before I buy my first tuba.

[Michael Bush]

That model Jinbao tuba is one of the two or three best regarded of all the less expensive Chinese tubas. It is owned by high school players, adult amateurs, and quite a few professionals, including a few who are of such stature that they really can't afford to admit in public owning it. Could it be better? Of course. But for a 5 valve CC tuba at that price point, it is most likely the best option available. And if you don't agree, Mack Brass will pay for you to ship it back.

I had one for two years. Several people, including me, independently came to the conclusion that it needs a tuning stick on the 3rd valve slide, because low Ab requires a significant pull and the slide is inaccessible. That is basically the only flaw that you wouldn't already expect at that price point. (There are the well known fit-and-finish issues, but then again the Meinl Weston I had for a few months after trading away my 410 had to have some of those same problems addressed.)

[TubaPresident]

That model Jinbao tuba is one of the two or three best regarded of all the less expensive Chinese tubas. It is owned by high school players, adult amateurs, and quite a few professionals, including a few who are of such stature that they really can't afford to admit in public owning it. Could it be better? Of course. But for a 5 valve CC tuba at that price point, it is most likely the best option available. And if you don't agree, Mack Brass will pay for you to ship it back.

I had one for two years. Several people, including me, independently came to the conclusion that it needs a tuning stick on the 3rd valve slide, because low Ab requires a significant pull and the slide is inaccessible. That is basically the only flaw that you wouldn't already expect at that price point. (There are the well known fit-and-finish issues, but then again the Meinl Weston I had for a few months after trading away my 410 had to have some of those same problems addressed.)

Thanks! But has this issue been told to Jinbao as a potential problem for later tuba models that should be corrected? Or is Jinbao a manufacturer that doesn't really "fix" issues with its models? I'm new to how these Chinese companies work and what model tubas are sold under a different name, such as tubas sold by Wessex. I've heard of Jinbao before, mostly from a video made by Alexander Lapins, principle tubist of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and teacher at the Northern Arizona University School of Music. From a video he made of a travel tuba, which came from the Jinbao factory.

[Michael Bush]

Thanks! But has this issue been told to Jinbao as a potential problem for later tuba models that should be corrected? Or is Jinbao a manufacturer that doesn't really "fix" issues with its models? I'm new to how these Chinese companies work and what model tubas are sold under a different name, such as tubas sold by Wessex. I've heard of Jinbao before, mostly from a video made by Alexander Lapins, principle tubist of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and teacher at the Northern Arizona University School of Music. From a video he made of a travel tuba, which came from the Jinbao factory.

As to what gets corrected, I'm not in a position to say. Those who work closely with Jinbao say they are willing to make changes. This one issue is not such a big deal to me in light of the overall great intonation of the tuba. I have to do a lot more pushing and pulling on the Hirsbrunner I now own than I did on the 410, and no one questions Hirsbrunner intonation. Professor Lapins, now of the University of Tennessee, is, by the way, someone else I believe had a stick put on the 3rd valve slide of a 410. It's a cheap and easy fix for a minor problem. And I don't think the travel tuba you refer to came from Jinbao. We have been told it was made by a company called, if I recall correctly, Huashen.

[michael_glenn]

I owned one for a short time from a trade. Good sound, very easy intonation. I didn't find the Ab to be an issue. I only sold it because it was my second CC, (first being my mucho more dollars Hirsbrunner) and I needed the money to pay for school. All in all, they are excellent tubas for the money. Chris Olka said in a YouTube video that said something like "Chinese tubas are 3/4 the tuba for 1/4 the price" or something like that. Probably not exact, but it was something to that effect. I'll agree with that. A new miraphone 186 is going to cost around 9k, and a miraclone will be like 2k. Is it as good? No. But it's definitely at least 70% as good. Best bang for your buck.

[Bob Kolada]

When I read sharp 2-3 combo I think 5-1, maybe with a push.

[bisontuba]

The 410's are very nice 4/4 CC tubas. They play great, intonation excellent ( never had a problem with the low Ab's), etc. If they were rated like Consumer Reports, they would be a top 'Best Buy'......yes, a clone of a modern 186 or 86 5 valve CC Miraphone, but if you don't mind owning a clone, IMHO, I can't imagine getting so much tuba for so little money. BTW, these horns in a concert hall sound great too.
Mark

[Ulli]

Several people, including me, independently came to the conclusion that it needs a tuning stick on the 3rd valve slide, because low Ab requires a significant pull and the slide is inaccessible.

my Wessex 410 (Mahler) came with tuning stick on the 3rd valve slide.
Ulli

[bort]

No problem with the low Ab on mine. No tuning stick required. The only note I have any issue with is Db/C# below the staff. 2-4 seems to be the best fingering. It is sharp but it can be lipped in place easily. I am finding myself pulling the 4th slide rather than lip it though. Great horn and I love it.

... just like a 186.

[balchb]

I really like my Wessex 186 clone. Can't speak for the Mack model. My horn feels solid, plays open and has a great sound with PT48.

[eupher61]

But....have you used it in a quintet that has a video released in a 16:9 ratio at 1080p with 5.1.1 audio ? And , the lighting must be no less than 20k joules average, playing the 3rd movement of the Arnold quintet at 156bpm tuned to A=441.39647?

[balchb]

But....have you used it in a quintet that has a video released in a 16:9 ratio at 1080p with 5.1.1 audio ? And , the lighting must be no less than 20k joules average, playing the 3rd movement of the Arnold quintet at 156bpm tuned to A=441.39647?

.... yes