Insights, info???

[ppalan]

I read jonesmj post re: his F-tuba and dealings with BigBottomMusicNW and was encouraged to contact Al Triplett. I've been talking (via email) with Al about the 5-valve 5/4 BBb 1291 clone on his site. I've been looking for a while and hadn't really considered a clone but the prices of "the real things" are just prohibitive for me. Does anyone on this board have experience with his BBb tubas and the process of getting one. As I said to him in my e-mail, I'm apprehensive about doing this without seeing or trying one out especially since he's on the west coast and I'm on the east coast. Thanks again for any of your insights.
Huge Sound
Buttery Smooth Pistons
5th Rotary Valve
.827" bore
19" bell
Available in Laquer, Silver, or Nickel finish
Includes Case
Starting At $1,950.00 (us)

BBbtuba.jpg

[Dan Schultz]

I own a 1291 5V BBb 'clone' and have compared it extensively with the 'real thing'. One of the things I enjoy doing is taking the Chinese horn to the local German club and challenging one of the critics to tell me which horn I brought. He can't tell the difference from the audience side. I can tell you that there are huge differences but most of them are cosmetic or difficult to quantify.

The horn you are asking about is the same no matter which source you choose to buy from. Some sellers may actually take the horn out of the case and check it out before sending it to you. I would expect that those sellers might be a little higher in price. These horns represent a descent value for the dollars spent.... when compared with the 'real thing'. Are they the same as the 'real thing'? Nope. But... don't ask me for a good explanation other than "you need to try for yourself".

[ppalan]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that he told me there is a 2 week trial period. Thanks for the info so far. Al said I could contact Tubenetter B. Kulak in Buffalo, NY but I can't find him in the member list. Does anyone have an e-mail for him?

[bisontuba]

Hi-
I was the one who referred the fellow from Buffalo to Al to purchase the clone silver 1291 BBb--and last I heard he loves the horn. I have ordered 4 horns from Al--he is a straight up guy and his prices are great. It does take a while to get the horns, but if you can wait, I can't think of a better person to order from. My 2 cents....

Regards-
mark
jonestuba@Juno.com" target="_blank

[pinedale]

I bought a 5v BBb "1291 clone" from M&M and like it so much that I sold my Willson 3050 CC and have listed my Getzen CC for sale. I hadn't played one before ordering it (but had played a friend's 1291 BBb that I really like). For me the "gamble" really paid off. Since then, I've ordered (and recently received) a 6v F tuba and bass trombone through Al Triplett (for MUCH less than M&M is asking for the same instruments). They took a long time to arrive, but these horns play very well, and are an exceptional value. Al is very easy to work with.

The BBb is not just an exceptional value, but an incredible tuba, period. Between the 3 chinese tubas I've played (BBb, F, and a "4500" piston CC that M&M sent by mistake), the BBb stands out as the best by far, and, if made by German hands, would cost at least double what I paid for it and triple what Al sells them for.

PM me if you want more info. Happy horn hunting!

[ppalan]

Thanks pinedale,for your info. I got several other responses, all positive, about both the BBb clone as well as Al. I have actually ordered one in silver and am awaiting its arrival. After I receive it and play on it for awhile, I intend to post a report. Thanks again for your input.
Pete

[Bob Kolada]

I keep thinking about these horns. How's the valve action?

[Michael Bush]

You cannot go wrong working with Al. That is all.

[Michael Bush]

Thanks pinedale,for your info. I got several other responses, all positive, about both the BBb clone as well as Al. I have actually ordered one in silver and am awaiting its arrival. After I receive it and play on it for awhile, I intend to post a report. Thanks again for your input.
Pete

Oh, I see. Old thread. I could have written this post, except that I already knew from experience to trust Al. Looking forward to getting this instrument.

[chronolith]

I can't seem to get their website to work. Is there some other URL besides http://www.bigbottommusicnw.com/ that I should be using?

[Michael Bush]

I can't seem to get their website to work. Is there some other URL besides http://www.bigbottommusicnw.com/ that I should be using?

Hmm. Works for me. Try clearing your cache.

[chronolith]

Interesting. Their site doesn't do Google Chrome. Resorting to (blech) IE.

[ppalan]

Make sure you're not using the Google Chrome browser. I use Firefox or Safari and it works fine.

Pete
Oops didn't scroll down far enough to see previous reply

[Bob Kolada]

Have you received the horn yet, Pete?