TubeNet

I was just wondering if anyone has played on one of these horns (http://www.wessex-tubas.com/cc-rotary-tuba/), and what you think of relatively cheap Chinese instruments such as these? Would anyone happen to have any footage of this particular model in action?

I live in Australia and would not be able to try one out before purchasing, and know of nobody in the UK or US to try one out.

This is the single most discussed topic on TubeNet. Have a look around:
https://www.google.com/#q=site:chisham. ... nese+tubas

Bought one a little over a year ago... after a $127 valve lap/chem cleaning, the horn is just as good or better than the Miraphone 186 5-valve BBb I had in college. If you like that style/design, I say money well spent. Mine plays very well with a PT-48 mouthpiece (I didn't like it as much with my Conn Helleberg). It's been a fun adventure learning C fingerings! The sound is great, the pitch is very comparable to the German horn.

From what I read, the lacquer seems to wear off in high-use spots, so something to consider. Most JinBao horns need attention on the valves right out of the factory. Again, once the problem is corrected, they are fantastic instruments.

You won't be wasting your money with this horn, and I actually recommended this model in response to your WTB post. I have played many models of this horn from various places and it would serve you well. Look up Tom McGrady of MackBrass on YouTube and you can see various videos of the Mack 410, which is essentially the Mahler (they are both made by Jinbao).