St. Pete 202 vs. Bargain Horns (was: Schiller rotary vs. St.

[tbn.al]

I haven't played one but check this out.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=33504" target="_blank

[SinNawlins]

maybe its just me but it does not seem like $3k buys either a new Cerveny or a decent used Miraphone. That is too light for either. The St Pete can be had for near that. But the Shiller is more of an unknown. They have a lot less history than the St Pete and there have not been anywhere near the flattering comments. I have a Shiller baritone than I bought for $180 on eBay and it is OK for $180. But there is no way I would brag bout it or compare it with a St Pete horn. JMHO...

[TUBAD83]

maybe its just me but it does not seem like $3k buys either a new Cerveny or a decent used Miraphone. That is too light for either. The St Pete can be had for near that. But the Shiller is more of an unknown. They have a lot less history than the St Pete and there have not been anywhere near the flattering comments. I have a Shiller baritone than I bought for $180 on eBay and it is OK for $180. But there is no way I would brag bout it or compare it with a St Pete horn. JMHO...

I've had my Schiller for almost a month (just had my first concert performance with it last night) and I'm very very happy with it. My fellow tubists in all 3 of my groups are very impressed with it (all of whom play "name brand" horns: Miraphone, Yamaha, Cerveny, Conn, Besson) as were my directors. This is a very good quality horn and I would definitely recommend it. You can buy this horn, a good gig bag, and tuba stand from under $2K.

I think the idea of being able to a buy a decent used Miraphone, Cerveny, Yamaha, or any other name brand horn around $3K is one of those "urban myths". The ones I have seen advertised for that amount were beat the hell up and looked to be in serious need of an overhaul. Though they might play well initially, you know that eventually it will need to go to the $hop for an extended $tay.

Hope this was helpful and good luck with your decision.

JJ

[Dan Schultz]

I don't know anything at all about Schiller Music Instruments. I have yet to see one in my repair shop. One thing I quiz music instrument reps about is their parts program. If I don't have a resource for parts, the instruments won't get my endorsement. It's no secret that the Schiller horns are being made in China and Taiwan. The Schiller website says so. In the new Global economy, where a horn is made isn't near as important as the company that markets it. Their diligence in controlling the quality and their parts program says it all. I don't care how good a horn plays... both of those characteristics have to be front and center before I'll be happy.

As far as I'm concerned, Schiller has not yet established a clear track record.

[TUBAD83]

I don't know anything at all about Schiller Music Instruments. I have yet to see one in my repair shop. One thing I quiz music instrument reps about is their parts program. If I don't have a resource for parts, the instruments won't get my endorsement. It's no secret that the Schiller horns are being made in China and Taiwan. The Schiller website says so. In the new Global economy, where a horn is made isn't near as important as the company that markets it. Their diligence in controlling the quality and their parts program says it all. I don't care how good a horn plays... both of those characteristics have to be front and center before I'll be happy.

As far as I'm concerned, Schiller has not yet established a clear track record.

Dan you make a very valid point but I will say this:

This is not my first Chinese instrument--I owned a Jin Bao tuba for 10 years and never had a problem with the lacquer, braces, slides, or excessive dents. The only time it saw the repair man was for checkups and cleaning. The same factory makes Schiller's tubas. I also took my Schiller to my repair man and he was impressed with the structural quality and would have no problem working on the horn-including getting parts if ever need be.

Not arguing with you at all, Im just stating what I know. Not everything from China is crap.

[Dan Schultz]

..... Not everything from China is crap.

Agreed. Besson parts are difficult to get these days. I suppose I would have a tough time getting parts for my forty-year-old Marzan these days, too!

BTW... did I meet you at the ACB Convention in Houston a few weeks ago?

[TUBAD83]

..... Not everything from China is crap.

Agreed. Besson parts are difficult to get these days. I suppose I would have a tough time getting parts for my forty-year-old Marzan these days, too!

BTW... did I meet you at the ACB Convention in Houston a few weeks ago?

I had to work all that week and had a domestic crisis on the evening my band performed (Lone Star Symphonic Band)

The only major mechanical mishap I had with a tuba was with a Miraphone 186 I was using in college (to be clear: this was a SCHOOL horn). You know that nice nickel/silver band on the bell rim? Well, it decided to accompany me right in the middle of my BRASS JURY--I forget what piece I was playing but I start hearing this very audible hum--and so did the jury (my teacher and the horn instructor thought it was hilarious!) as I got louder, so did the hum and of course when I got softer--well you get the idea. Fortunately the brass faculty had a very good sense of humor and didn't hold it against me. (until the school FINALLY got it fixed, I slipped a piece of paper just inside the band to silence it).

JJ

[SinNawlins]

I was wrong on my baritone brand - it is a 'Selman', not a 'Schiller'. I am thinking my Selman was made in China because it was so cheap, but I am not sure what the differences between it and the Schiller would be or if the Schiller is better or not. Having said all that, the Selman I have does have a great voice and plays well. It probably would not take the abuse that a better horn would, because it is thin and light, but for an old f@rt like me who takes good care and is gentle with his instruments, it does just fine. The brass does seem thin, but at my age of 64, that is a plus - not a minus - as I like to walk around while playing.

[jeopardymaster]

Let's not forget the horns M&M sells, and the Dillon and Tuba Exchange stencils. I've only tried one of them, an M&M 186 clone in BBb. Not bad. I was rather surprised.