A few remarks to the posts I have read so far.
What I have seen was modelled after the HB-2P.
Although I am not a great fan of Hirsbrunners products for myself, I dare to say that the quality comes very near to that of the original.
And yes, Adams' design follows Hirsbrunners' without major differences (That's why he has taken over Hirsbrunner, who will continue making his tubas, but in due time with Adams' parts, as I was told). The differences are in the production. Adams has also taken over a German company for valve production. All the rest is being made in their own factory (euphonium and fluegel as well). With a small crew of specialized craftsmen the old boss Andre (the founder of Adams and the maker of the well known timpani) is developing and building a lot of machines, gauges and mouldings at the moment, because he is determined to line out the whole process himself and control it from A to Z and execute it within his own company. As he says, finally his dream (making brass instruments) is becoming true. (And by now he can afford financially, I am sure
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What I have seen, gives me the impression that:
- in 2 or three years Adams will be able to produce a complete line of brass instruments;
- he is not aiming at a variety of designs for each instrument, but prefers to offer different thicknesses and different combinations of materials (brass, goldbrass, silver) for his preferred design;
- that he will take his time before he will advertise internationally (e.g. their website is not in English yet), because the emphasis is on development, logistics and education of staff for the time being rather than on production.
And no (I am sorry), I did not take pictures of the tuba. I had no camera and was not expecting to be invited to visit the factory and try the tuba, when I drove there for a little repair.
And...they said they have 3 "representatives" in USA. Sorry, at the moment I only remember Dillon and Custom.
Let me finish this post and furthermore be silent, before it would look like I am advertising Adams. I am not and will not, although I admire the intentions and determination of the "old man" Andre. In the first place I want to share the information. Yes, they are very skilled people (especially Andre and his cousin Miel), but their services are not cheap, to say it cautiously.
Hubert
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