Asian made Tubas

[SousaSaver]

I have been giving this topic great thought lately and I need some input from the Tubenet gallery.

Of the Tubas manufactured overseas in Asia, what brands are producing the best quality horns?

I would like to hear from those who own Asian made copies, and those who have had the chance to play the copies against the originals.

From those who own Asian made Tubas, how have they held up over time? Any piston or rotor issues? Corrosion problems of any kind?

Not all instruments are created equally, and I believe this is true amongst Asian made horns. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Bob Kolada]

If you think about it, that's probably not as good a question as you actually mean.

[normrowe]

If you think about it, that's probably not as good a question as you actually mean.

Yeah, especially considering Yamaha instruments are Asian-made!

[Dan Schultz]

I think I understand your question but you need to clarify something...

Are you talking about the actual manufacturers? ..... or the brand names?

I understand there are four factories in China turning out tubas. Lord only knows which ones are producing which brands. .... or if perhaps all four manufacturers are producing for the same label.

[taipeituba]

I would like to hear from those who own Asian made copies, and those who have had the chance to play the copies against the originals.

....well, I guess this thread isn't going to end up comparing the Asian copy of the CSO York (eg the YCB826) to the original. Simply because there can't be many people out there that have played both.

On a more helpful note, I thought there was more or less general consensus that the higher quality Chinese tubas were all Jinbao rebadged for international markets.

[b.williams]

A section mate of mine plays a Schillar 5 Valve Rotary CC nickel plated tuba. I asked him how the horn is holding up. He says that it is doing just fine. I noticed that his tuba and my Mirafone 186 have similar playing chacteristics. Additionally, his tuba teacher at UMASS tried his horn and then recommended it to other students.

[SousaSaver]

I think I understand your question but you need to clarify something...

Are you talking about the actual manufacturers? ..... or the brand names?

I understand there are four factories in China turning out tubas. Lord only knows which ones are producing which brands. .... or if perhaps all four manufacturers are producing for the same label.

I'm glad you chimed in Dan, because I mean something like this:

http://thevillagetinker.com/miraphone_1 ... _clone.htm

I don't know where MM is made, so maybe someone can clear that up for me.

Thank you for asking for clarification. After re-reading my post, I understand how vague it is.

I mean Chinese imports and comparing them to their contemporary counterparts. I do not mean comparing a custom Yamaha to CSO Yorks.

My main concern is how do the imports hold up over time? Do they have valve or rotor issues?

[bisontuba]

Hi-
M&M/JZ/Dillon/Schiller/TE/ et all are made by JinBao--I have a few of these horns--they have ALL held up very well-just like my HP computer equipment made in China! All is well.

Regards-
mark

[TUBAD83]

I think I understand your question but you need to clarify something...

Are you talking about the actual manufacturers? ..... or the brand names?

I understand there are four factories in China turning out tubas. Lord only knows which ones are producing which brands. .... or if perhaps all four manufacturers are producing for the same label.

I'm glad you chimed in Dan, because I mean something like this:

http://thevillagetinker.com/miraphone_1 ... _clone.htm

I don't know where MM is made, so maybe someone can clear that up for me.

Thank you for asking for clarification. After re-reading my post, I understand how vague it is.

I mean Chinese imports and comparing them to their contemporary counterparts. I do not mean comparing a custom Yamaha to CSO Yorks.

My main concern is how do the imports hold up over time? Do they have valve or rotor issues?

The first tuba I bought was a Jin Bao rotary BBb---it was well made for the most part but had noisy linkages and had to be VERY careful of intonation when I played above a forte. I kept that horn for about 5-6 years, never had a problem (replaced linkage with a Du Bro linkage system..away went the noise) Their tubas have only improved over the years. Recently cleaned both my Schillers (made by Jin Bao) and was impressed with the improvement of workmanship and "attention to detail", especially with my Schilbrunner. These horns have and will hold up over time, no doubt about it.

JJ

[SousaSaver]

Thank you for all of the honest input. I appreciate it.