Review of M&M/Jin Bao compensating Eb tuba 'Fletcher' clone

[bisontuba]

HI-
Being very curious, I decided to buy one the new imported 'Fletcher' Besson 981 clone compensating Eb tubas. I bought it from Michael at M&M ( a sponsor of Tubenet and advertiser in ITEA, BTW). I play a bit on Eb tuba, and really wanted to test this horn out, so I took a flier on it. I figured if I didn't like it, I would move it to some of my friends who do a lot of British Brass Band Music here and over in Canada. It arrived today.
WOW!!!!!! This is the most amazing Eb I have played--hands down. It is marked 'Jin Bao' (I guess this was Michael's factory horn)--and it is dead on in pitch, responds evenly in all registers, horn compression is excellent, has a glorious sound--what other superlatives can I add--I just called some folks to move my 'other' Eb tuba [NOTE: sold this evening!]--this is the one for an Eb. The pistons are stainless steel, and move like glass-very quiet, fast--I did read Bloke's comments about one he worked on years ago, but I believe they have worked on this horn. BTW, it is also about 80% less in cost than a Besson 981!!!!!
Also, M&M was a pleasure to deal with--Michael shipped out very fast, and included a free tuba holder stand too. The mouthpiece looks like a Besson/Wick copy-not bad at all.
The case is like the other Chinese cases--very nice--unless you have a bad back like me--I'll get a gig bag--if anyone needs a case with wheels and back pack straps for their Besson 981/982 Comp. Eb with 19" bell, email me--I'll move it-the hard case-very cheaply and send to you via bus [note: sold it this evening also!].
Another winner of a horn to go with the 5 rotor CC clone--& I highly recommend M&M to deal with--and I REALLY HIGHLY recommend this horn if you are looking for an Eb compensating tuba! Amazing horn, at an even more amazing price!
Regards-
mark
email: jonestuba@juno.com" target="_blank

[Bob Kolada]

Cool! Now for a picture of it next to your 186 copy and your Yamaha euph copy.
Do you think there's enough room on the main slide (if needed) to possibly move the leadpipe/receiver up? It looks quite low and seems to be a straight line to the valve set.

[bisontuba]

Bob-
It is comfy as is for me--just tilt the horn and hold on your lap. Very easy to play.
mark

[LCH3]

Mark, thanks for the review - I have one on the way.

I'd be interested in knowing what gig bag you get for it.

Thanks....LCH3

[k001k47]

Break a part or wear something out, just throw it away or make a planter out of and buy a new one.

Well... since they're stencil horns, (crazy idea) maybe some parts from the horns they clone would work! I can't gurantee anything though... maybe we could convince Dan to tear apart his 1291 and the clone he just got



So, how much did they pay you to post this review?
I still sort of want one of these.

[MartyNeilan]

So, how much did they pay you to post this review?

They probably just got the free T-Shirt

Marty "who did NOT fill out the form to get his free T-Shirt"

[k001k47]

So, how much did they pay you to post this review?

They probably just got the free T-Shirt

Marty "who did NOT fill out the form to get his free T-Shirt"

If there's a thong version, like the tubenet thong, I'm 100% SOLD on this horn.

[bisontuba]

HI-
I don't receive anything for my postings---but I could use a trip to China if anyone would like to send me...
LOL...
mark

[imperialbari]

Congratulations!

However I would want to know about one matter:

Did your sample arrive in the exact same level of preparation/set-up/whatever as any other sample of this model?

Or had it been especially nursed before being sent to you?

Klaus

[bisontuba]

Hi-
I believe Michael inspects all the M&M instruments before he ships them to make sure all if fine--mine was not 'specially doctored'---just like everyone elses-but instead of saying M&M USA, mine says Jin Bao. Great horns! Hope that helps.
Regards-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com" target="_blank

[k001k47]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Schiller-American-H ... 3caac77f67 Just a heads up; Schiller also distributes this horn. As far as I know (from all the tubenet knowledge), M&M, Schiller, and Jin Bao are all the same horns. I guess it just depends on which engraving you think is coolest.

Chrome Plated Slide Ferrels

off the chain

[Wyvern]

That amuses me listing as "American Heritage" when it is clone of a classic British tuba

[imperialbari]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Schiller-American-H ... 3caac77f67 Just a heads up; Schiller also distributes this horn. As far as I know (from all the tubenet knowledge), M&M, Schiller, and Jin Bao are all the same horns. I guess it just depends on which engraving you think is coolest.

Chrome Plated Slide Ferrels

off the chain

Not really an eBay matter I still found that ad interesting. A main selling point in the compensating tubas is exactly that they are compensating. And that ad doesn’t mention this feature with one word. I have a strong suspicion that the seller doesn’t know or doesn’t care.

Klaus

[royjohn]

I would sure be interested in other reviews of this horn. The price [about $2K to your door] is certainly right, but I would like more than one favorable review, especially in view of the quality control issues that have been seen with some horns from China in the past. Has anyone else played one of these?

[bisontuba]

HI-
Just thought I'd give an update on my impressions on this new horn. After playing it quite a bit, I like this horn more every day! The pitch is dead on, the sound is beautiful, all ranges speak easily--my first impressions were correct--this horn is a winner in every way--and the price is amazing. Highly recommended if you're looking for an Eb!
Regards-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com" target="_blank

PS The M&M gig bags Michael has at are quite nice also-I bought one and they are super! Top loading, back pack straps, excellent protection!

[bububassboner]

PS The M&M gig bags Michael has at are quite nice also-I bought one and they are super! Top loading, back pack straps, excellent protection!

Got any pictures?

[bisontuba]

Hi-
As requested-FYI-for more info, sizing, availability, & price contact Michael at M&M-mark

[LoTone]

Hello,

How is the Fletcher Eb holding up? I am considering buying one. Are you still happy with it jonesmj?

[imperialbari]

Has your tuba been sacked?

K

[b.williams]

Have you ever played a late 1970's early 1980's vintage Boosey and Hawkes 15" bell EEb tuba? If so, how does the "Fletcher" clone compare?
Thanks again.