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http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-NIRSCHL ... SwEzxYXZkK" target="_blank" target="_blank

Country/Region of Manufacture: Brazil

Weren't there only a few of these tubas manufactured in Brazil?

thejester10276 wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-NIRSCHL ... SwEzxYXZkK" target="_blank" target="_blank

Country/Region of Manufacture: Brazil

Weren't there only a few of these tubas manufactured in Brazil?

Yes... a few were made in Brazil prior to the production being moved to China. However.... THIS ONE appears to be one of the 'better' examples that were actually made in the Bohm & Meinl factory in Germany.

As I understand it... the original 'German' tooling was either lost or left in Germany and this version of Nirschl tuba is the last of the 'good ones'. It doesn't actually say 'Germany'. But... the bell is engraved 'Geretsreide'.

I used to own a Brazilian one. For what it's worth, the 5th linkage on it was a 90°angle rod instead of a straight rod like this one. And wherever it was built, this horn must have had a better silver plating or less use than mine since it looks good on the bow guard where your left hand can hold.

I just noticed the seller is the music store I bought mine from new. I believe him too. Interesting that the linkage is different though. Maybe it was changed by someone who also thought the 90° linkage was dumb. Maybe they even changed the sloppy pin and barrel that connected the thumb paddle to the Minibal.

Recanting what I mentioned earlier about this horn probably being one of the 'good' German ones....

On second thought it's just another example of the lies the current industry uses to extort money from unsuspecting folks.

I REALLY have to take issue with flat-out desceptive bell engravings like 'Geretsried-Elkhart' that appears on this horn.

About 10 years ago, I played a really great handmade German Nirschl 4/4 CC. It was for sale at Dillon's, but it cost $10,500, which was more than I felt comfortable spending. To this day, still one of the top 5 (maybe top 3) tubas I've ever played.

bloke wrote:... The thing to which you refer is nothing new.

That doesn't mean it's honest advertising.

Just to make sure confusion reigns - from Q & A in the ad:

Q: The tuba is in CC key? It,s original W. Nirchl made in Europe? Thanks you. Kind Regards.
A: this a CC tuba that was made india

From wiki "In 2002, Nirschl was hired by a company in the United Kingdom to modernize a factory in India, and used his company in Geretsried to build prototypes. After significant investment, the financial backers decided to get out of the music business, which left the Indian factory dormant. Gemstone Musical Instruments recognized the opportunity and partnered with Nirschl, which combined the 60 year sales and marketing traditions of the Gemeinhardt Company with the six generations of German instrument craftsmanship. A full line of 'W. Nirschl' brass instruments is now produced in China, Brazil and India."

Besides the 5th linkage, everything else looks exactly the same as my Brazilian one, including the engraving. In talking with Dick, I did not get the impression that any of the Gemeinhardt/W. Nirschl tubas were built in India. Just Brazil. Mine was supposedly the last one produced from the Brazilian factory before the fire that (among other things) prompted Dick to move production to China. He told me around 10 of these horns got out of the Brazil factory.

Anyhow. Mine played well. Good intonation. Sound was a little dead for me, and the real low stuff was a bit stuffy. I'd guess this one might be similar. Or not.