Thomann 4 valve Bb sousa

[PaulTkachenko]

It did come in handy when man-handling the bell out of of the case.

I'd also use it to wrap a cloth around the dampen the bell, which rings in sympathy with the notes - kind of annoying. At first I thought it was the cymbals on the drum kit in my rehearsal room!

[Wyvern]

I'm guessing this would serve me well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Conn-20K-Brig ... 27c850a59c" target="_blank" target="_blank

Regards,

Paul

That is interesting, that case is not JinBao. So I rather wonder if this is not the JinBao 4-valve sousaphone - maybe made by another factory? Did it say JinBao on the packing box Paul?

As I have said before, what looks like the same instrument can be made by multiple factories to differing standards

[PaulTkachenko]

The code on the box, as well as the design, suggest Jin Bao to me. It was JB something ...

The case is well worth having. OK, it's not as good quality as SKB/MTS but I'd be very happy throwing a sousa on a plane in this case.

The wheel would most certainly come right off, but it would be easy enough to put some better ones on.

Overall, I think the build is good on this instrument (mouthpiece does fit, I just had the 2 bits the wrong way round!)

I could certainly get the bell/body join sorted out for small money. The valves are OK, but I would spend a bit of money getting them hand lapped etc.

The bell 'ringing' is a design issue, not a build quality issue (I think). A few deadening strips on the bell would probably sort that out.

For the price, the whole instrument was packaged very well - so, hats off to Thomann. I'm pretty sure they are going to have someone come round and collect it and take it back - so that's very convenient.

[sousaphone68]

Hello thank you for posting the pictures and your experience and impression of the sousaphone and the supplier.
I think from the photos there are only 2 thumbscrews for the bell.
This is the same as my Conn 26k and it has the same uneven look when attached.
Your fibreglass sousaphone has 3 screws which centres and secures the bell much better.
My only exposure to sousaphones is the brass one I own and two fibreglass horns that belong to a band I am in. The lighter fibreglass horns all have 3 screws and my heavier brass one only has 2,it has never fallen off but I do not like the uneven gap.

Is the addition of 2 more screws the improvement you mention or are there other problems?

Thanks Noel Carrick

[PaulTkachenko]

Hi,

There are 3 screws on this sousa, which would/do secure the bell adequately. The problem is that the opening is a bit too oval and the bell bit is round, so they don't quite fit.

I could probably get it straightened up if I really dug the horn.

[Lectron]

My Jinbao 4V sousa.....
Probably with the same case as OP

[PaulTkachenko]

Yes, this is the same model of instrument.

Does the bell 'ring' on yours?

[Lectron]

As mentioned....don't they all...

I must say..I wasn't too impressed, but he ringing sound was
as some other tuba-problems only a close range issue.

That said...It could bring up issues for the occasions using a mic

I've put it out for sale not feeling I have to sell it, but will
try to push it more aggressively if the 'real thing' shows up

[PaulTkachenko]

I play a lot with a microphone - this sousa would be a disaster ... I'd have to deaden it somehow ...

[tokuno]

I play a lot with a microphone - this sousa would be a disaster ... I'd have to deaden it somehow ...

My bell had been spray-painted in gold glitter. It played great (no ring), but upon removing the paint, there was a prominent bell ring.
Following iiipope's advice, I slit a length of clear, 3/16" id - 5/16" od PVC tubing and slipped it over the rim. It dampens the ring to "almost unnoticeable". I've also had occasion to appreciate the strip's extra bell rim ding/scratch protection, too, unfortunately.
Might be worth a try.
And if you did commit to the horn, the paint entirely suppressed the ring.

Maybe tmi, but interesting to me: The painted bell is/was a Pan American satin silver, 24". I also have a King (Eb) 24" (satin) that rings, and a Conn 14k 24" (lacquer) with zero ring.

[Wyvern]

My Jinbao 4V sousa.....
Probably with the same case as OP

The catalogue shows it having a wooden case - interesting if now supplied with one that looks like it comes from another factory.

[Lectron]

It sound OK, but have what seems to be unnecessary long stroke
and of course. A lot of ringing.

What I don't like about it is the upper register as it tightens around F above staff.
That's really my only real issue whit it.

Hole along the skirt of collar?

Are we talking the ring shown on this pic.

[tokuno]

Just a question... does the bell have a small hole along the skirt of the collar?

I've wondered about that . . . .What is that hole for?

[Lectron]

I think it's for hanging a carrot to make you keep walkin'

[tokuno]

I think it's for hanging a carrot to make you keep walkin'

I don't have a picture handy, but I think he's referring to a tiny (~1/16" or 3/32" inch or thereabouts) hole bored through the male bell collar. It's hidden when the bell is inserted. Doesn't seem to align to anything on my horns.