ADAMS F-Tuba opinions

[tubeast]

Hello people,

I´ve just insuccessfully searched the archive for the keywords "ADAMS" in connection with "F" and "TUBA". I find it hard to believe these haven´t yet been commented on.

In Frankfurt they had two of these available for trying out. I was quite surprised to find someone coming up with an F-tuba that would follow the soundconcepts of British E(E)b.
Quite similar in darkness of sound, and very powerful if provided with enough air.
Definitely not the classical soundconcept of the typical B&S, Melton or Alex.

Does anyone have further insight as to their use in different musical settings ?

Hans

[Michael Bush]

This is the first I've heard of them. I googled them, not expecting what I found. So as it turns out, I know nothing and am as curious as you about these instruments.

[corbasse]

I know Adams, they're a major player in the Dutch and Belgian Instrument sales, sort of the Dutch Dillon's, WWBW, Thomann etc.

They are world famous for their own production percussion,http://www.adams-music.com/pf/, but their brass instrument production is younger. I believed they used to have a more average line before, but I see they have shifted towards custom $$$$$ instruments.
Their original line was a continuation of Schenkelaars, which went bankrupt in the 80's. Their inventory was first purchased by First Brass and sold to Adams in the 90's.

[corbasse]

Adams (rotated for your viewing pleasure):


HB 388


If you look closely you could maybe find a difference somewhere....

[corbasse]

Not sure what the price point on the Adams might be

List price on the site is € 11,950 (almost $17,250, but that's including 20% VAT)

[trop2000]

ya'll,

I've not played one yet, but yes, from the HB as Adams had purchased their tooling some time ago. I recently switched to the ADAMS custom euphonium ('bout a month ago) and love it. Miel tells me the F was popular at Frankfurt and now backordered already. He also says they are doing bottom bow + 1st branch from sheet so it'll be interesting how that turns out and also will likely take a good bit of time making each horn. I hope to get my lips on one ASAP.

Matt
http://www.spitvalve.org" target="_blank

[TheHatTuba]

.

[dwerden]

The euphonium is its own animal. Playing it will feel different from a Hirsbrunner. Intonation is much better, for example.

The F and CC tubas are made using HB mandrels. However, Adams uses different metallurgy and construction techniques. From comments I got from very substantial tuba players (vs. me, a tuba pretender) the horn reminds one greatly of the HB, but it is immediately noticeable that there is a new resonance. Given what I've seen directly with the Adams Custom euphonium, I have no doubt they have made improvements they thought should be made and will continue to do so as they get more user feedback.

I don't keep up with tuba pricing. Their euphonium pricing is in line with other top-of-the-line horns. I'd imagine that their tubas are not out of line with what a new HB (if there were such a thing) would cost.

Adams euphoniums are offered in 5 different metal thicknesses. The tubas are offered in 3:

http://www.adams-music.com/wf/instrumen ... SJ3Oic4s58

You can get yellow or gold brass, in lacquer or silver.

[Alex C]

The Adams F tuba was at TMEA last year. It was sold during the show and was picked up when the convention ended. I played it and my impression was that it was similar to the Willson F, not having played a Hirsbrunner F. It was good but it didn't rock my world, especially at the price. I heard that the list price was $14,000 but was sold for $11,000, purely gossip.

Buying this tuba over a PT-something or the Petruchka, Gronitz, BMB, Willson or Bel Canto would be completely a matter of taste. I couldn't determine that there was any superior performance over the other tubas mentioned.

It seemed to be a solid tuba, just a bit pricey.

[UDELBR]

I heard that the list price was $14,000 but was sold for $11,000, purely gossip.

According to the Adams' site, current price for that horn is € 11.950 or $16,000 US (not counting import fees, etc.)

"Pricey" is an apt description.

[dwerden]

I just peeked at the Tuba Exchange site. They don't have the F, but the CC (which has a higher list price) is $11,495:

http://tubaexchange.com/shop-manufactur ... a&mf=Adams

[pjv]

I've NEVER understood economics or marketing.

How is it possible that an American distributer (Tuba Exchange) can sell an Adam's tuba for $11,495 when the very same tuba sells in the Netherlands (country their made in) for a whopping $18,076?

[Alex C]

A knock off is easy to make. One Chinese manufacturer has a dead ringer for a Bach Model 37 Bb trumpet... until you play it. It's a steaming load of crud and barely classifies as an instrument and certainly not a Bach. The Chinese are going to have to learn that it's not the appearance that matters most. Somebody has to stand in the factory and literally make the Chinese produce quality. Otherwise they will make a good looking horn.

For example, one English manufacturer became the "quality assurance" director for a Chinese company which was making a nice looking euphonium. I taught at a school where the band directors recommended this instrument for younger kids. After having unsoldered leadpipes, two second valve pistons in one horn, tuning slides that wouldn't fit back in and a case that fell apart, I lost interest in them.

It is not an easy process from what I have heard. Very complicated.

[Bob Kolada]

I've played it twice with no real memories of it, if that means anything. It plays evenly and the booth guy is super friendly but I'd pick (and have) other horns for the price.

[dwerden]

Bump. I am very confident in my opinions of the Adams euphonium, but I don't feel qualified to properly judge the tubas.

[winston]

Yes, thanks Joe. I am sure we are all also interested in the 6/4.

[TheHatTuba]

Bloke, are you talking about the larger or smaller Adams F?

[cjk]

I'm wondering if Bloke has similar experience with the Grontiz PF125 and would share that too.