Dillon Tubas

[jlbreyer]

I am considering purchase of a Dillon 434. I guess, (from other posts here) that this is manufactured by Jin Bao. Nonetheless, I think anything Dillon is willing to put the name on can't be all bad. I would appreciate feedback from anyone who owns, or has played, the Dillon 434.
Regards,
jlb

[iiipopes]

Have you talked to Matt? Matt will shoot you straight as to characteristics of the tuba, and if you describe for him what you play and why you are considering it he will shoot you straight as to whether or not he would think it is a good choice for your personal circumstances.

[jlbreyer]

Yep. I did talk to Matt. That's why I'm thinking of buying the horn. Just thought it would be nice to have an independent opinion.

jlb

[TMurphy]

I tried one of the Dillon horns last time I was down there (not sure which model), and was quite impressed...even more so when they told me the price (reverse sticker shock?). If I were in the market for a horn, I would definitely consider it, you get a lot of "bang for your buck" from those horns.

[jlbreyer]

OOH!! A Yankees fan! Don't know whether or not I should converse with you. GO SOX!!

Regardless -- Thanks for the note. I do plan to take my son with me to listen and hold the tuner when I go play test some horns. As mentioned, I'm strongly considering the Dillon 434 BBb, based on Matt's comments, but I do plan to see and play what else is there.

jlb

[Jonathan Fowler]

I currently have 4 students that have purchased these instruments. 3 of them tubas and 1 euphonium. I've played all of them to "approve" them before a purchase was made.
The feel and response of these horns is pretty much what you'd expect from the German equivilant. Where I see shortcomings are in some of the finer points. The slides don't fit as nicely as one would hope, the valves are perhaps a little clunkier etc. but the value is absolutely worth these small tribulations.
The intonation on these istruments is actually better than some of the German made instruments. Furthermore, if you buy the instrument from Dillon's, Matt will take care of you - that is worth any "risk" you feel like you may be taking.


Jon

[JCalkin]

OOH!! A Yankees fan! Don't know whether or not I should converse with you. GO SOX!!

Regardless -- Thanks for the note. I do plan to take my son with me to listen and hold the tuner when I go play test some horns. As mentioned, I'm strongly considering the Dillon 434 BBb, based on Matt's comments, but I do plan to see and play what else is there.

jlb

Also have Matt listen. He'll give you an honest appraisal of how you sound on each horn, and he will steer you to the best choice, not necessarily the most expensive.

When I bought my first CC in 2000, I had it narrowed down to a new $X,XXX MW 2155 and a $XX,XXX MW 2000. Matt advised that I get the 2155 because for me the difference in the sound did not justify the substantial price increase. Matt is as much as straight shooter as they come.

[jlbreyer]

[quote="JCalkin<snip> Matt is as much as straight shooter as they come.[/quote]

I do believe that is true and I'm really impressed that he is willing to give significant attention to an aging amateur who has done a small amount of business there, but will never do the business a pro would.