Detailed review- 1291 and contrabone clones, etc

[Bob Kolada]

I've read Dan's reviews and notes on his 1291 copy. For the sake of more information, has anyone had one for a while and would feel comfortable giving a detailed review? Are there different ones made in different factories? I was quite unhappy with my Jin Bao F but I do know how the Miraphone 1291's play.

Ditto for the contrabone. I've had my Kanstul, a very nice horn, for sale because I simply don't play it nearly enough to justify such an expensive room decoration. The contra I played at the Army tuba conference played very nicely, had an excellent low range (and since I also have my bass trombone for sale has more of the F bass sound I want), tight valves, but also very slow valves. Has anyone played any recently? I see Dillon's is selling them (anyone else?), has anyone played theirs?


Thanks!

[Dan Schultz]

I've read Dan's reviews and notes on his 1291 copy. For the sake of more information, has anyone had one for a while and would feel comfortable giving a detailed review? ....

No details to add other than I alternate between my 'real' 1291 and the M & M 'clone' and although there are some subtle differences... which should be expected.... they continue to perform equal. In fact... I'm giving serious thought to selling the Miraphone and keeping the 'clone'. I think I'll use the 'clone' for a concert tonight!

[Wyvern]

I have a Jinbao contrabone on order, getting for a slide pulling friend who says he has heard good things about the model. I will be interested in how it is and will then decide if to stock in future.

I was very impressed by the 1291 'clone' when I tried in Beijing and have three of those on their way, one of which I may keep for my own use.

[tubaforce]

Hi!
I also expect to give the next 1291 clone I get an extended play test And am awaiting a report on the "new" valves on the contra-Bone. I will PM a couple clients and encourage them to post the pro's and con's of their clones, too!

Al

[rperrym]

I have owned a new 1291 since March. Before that I owned a 191 and a 186 which I bought in 1989. Recently I bought a PT-1 which is now for sale. My 1291 is the best tuba I have ever played, but that is with little experience on other horns. It has added a better lower range and surprisingly my upper range has improved as well. I don't know why the upper range improved. Our community band director, (Music dept. head at a university here in Arkansas), noticed the difference in sound immediately. I would describe the sound as having more volume, rich, yet mellow as well. Different mouthpieces make some difference but more in response than in actual sound color. I have settled on a PT-44s for the time being, but have used others on it. Intonation is a definite strength, very little slide manipulation is required. It fits me well where the 191 did not. I had a very difficult time in reaching the tuning slides on the 191 and the horn leadpipe was too high for me, but I realize that could be easily changed. One reason I am looking for another horn to compliment my playing experience is that the 1291 requires a lot of air to sustain the sound, especially in the lower register. So, when I play some solos from my past college days or certain etudes, it is more demanding than I had expected. But, it is still my favorite and the big sound is well worth the extra work.

Rick

[Bob Kolada]

Thanks guys. Anyone else (especially owners)?