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While browsing yesterday, I see Horn Guys is carrying a LOT of new make & models of tubas that have recently added.....just a FYI...
Mark

Including the infamous plastic tuba!!

Yet this, from the trombone side:

"January 2016: We're sold out of all Conn 88H trombones. We have some 8HT (straight trombone) bell sections and most of the various Conn hand slides in stock. These will be part of our Winter Clearance special shortly. Current Elkart, Indiana Conn trombones do not meet our standards, so we declined to reorder. But please do check back next year. Improvements are possible. For 2016 we will offer a new trombone at similar pricing to the Conn 88H called the Shires Q Model. These should arrive in May. Check back for updates."

Have we truly entered a new paradigm wherein the classic American-built designs are being outstripped by the Chinese in quality? Perhaps the quality out of Elkhart is simply not enough to justify the premium their MAP demands over the latest imports' prices. Sounds like Conn-Selmer needs to get their crap together.

On the flip side, bravo to Horn Guys for continually offering only what they deem quality instruments at appropriate price points.

wouldn't expect anything less of the Horn Guys. Everyone there wants to get QUALITY instruments at the right price to all of the customers.

One of my buddies just got a Wilson Euph from them and he is extremely stoked.

JCalkin wrote: Have we truly entered a new paradigm wherein the classic American-built designs are being outstripped by the Chinese in quality? Perhaps the quality out of Elkhart is simply not enough to justify the premium their MAP demands over the latest imports' prices. Sounds like Conn-Selmer needs to get their crap together.

The Chinese catch on pretty quick. Just like the Japanese did.

Thanks for the good word. It's been a frustrating 15 years in business bucking heads with horn makers who have low standards. Which ones? All of them.

The story gets worse: King trombone production has moved to Elkhart. I just received the first Elkhart King yesterday. Results are as expected: poor.

-F

BUMP

Ferguson wrote:Thanks for the good word. It's been a frustrating 15 years in business bucking heads with horn makers who have low standards. Which ones? All of them.

The story gets worse: King trombone production has moved to Elkhart. I just received the first Elkhart King yesterday. Results are as expected: poor.

-F

Sigh... ...it is one thing if trade agreements screw things up, but another when we have shoddy workmanship....

Curmudgeon wrote: What was CS's response when you brought your dissatisfaction with their new Elkhart production of King trombones to their attention?

Mostly silence. They're having a meeting about it today.

CS has reportedly recently sourced a big chunk more of their production to China of both components and complete instruments.

CS is very committed to domestic manufacturing. They also import instruments and parts. Not everything can be made locally for the price people will pay. I get that.
-F

hduong wrote:wouldn't expect anything less of the Horn Guys. Everyone there wants to get QUALITY instruments at the right price to all of the customers.

One of my buddies just got a Wilson Euph from them and he is extremely stoked.

Interesting, I didn't think they were a Willson dealer?

Either way, Horn Guys is (are?) great. I'm glad folks on the west coast have a good store to go to!

Great store! all they need is a Chicago showroom..

bort wrote:

hduong wrote:wouldn't expect anything less of the Horn Guys. Everyone there wants to get QUALITY instruments at the right price to all of the customers.

One of my buddies just got a Wilson Euph from them and he is extremely stoked.

Interesting, I didn't think they were a Willson dealer?

Either way, Horn Guys is (are?) great. I'm glad folks on the west coast have a good store to go to!

I think it was a used Euph, someone from their shop was making a run to Northern CA and brought it along and he ended up really enjoying it.

hduong wrote:I think it was a used Euph, someone from their shop was making a run to Northern CA and brought it along and he ended up really enjoying it.

Makes sense! Thanks!

bort wrote:

hduong wrote:I think it was a used Euph, someone from their shop was making a run to Northern CA and brought it along and he ended up really enjoying it.

Makes sense! Thanks!

actually, looking at their website, it looks like they might actually be stocked new.

Relevant topic for me. Headed to Elkhart Sunday and eastlake Tuesday.

I'll try to pay attention

bloke wrote:Do any woodwind players with any cache recommend any of the Conn-Selmer woodwind instruments to their students...?? ...and which of the Conn-Selmer woodwind instruments remain made-in-USA/non-stencil instruments?

I believe the Selmer Paris line is highly regarded... The others are recommended as beginner instruments "if you can't find a Yamaha".