Schiller mini = Bubbie?

[MaryAnn]

a) ebay "autocorrects" to Bobbie when I type Bubbie, and I can't make it stop

b) is this the same as a Bubbie?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schiller-Tuba-M ... 416e1c8983" target="_blank

c) should it be re-named a Barkie or can it be made to sound like a tuba?

MA

[Michael Bush]

It is the same. Only neither Jonathan nor Tom McGrady, who also sells it, lie about what it is and where it came from.

Others may have gotten a tuba sound from it, but *I* haven't figured out how to make it sound like anything but a trombone, which suits me fine for my purposes.

[bort]

Keeping the "shill" in "Schiller."

[Michael Bush]

If it's the same instrument (which it looks to be), are the others now matching this price that is several hundred dollars less?

Is it this "American tuba sound" BS that they use in every one of their ads thats rubbing people the wrong way?

Why is it a problem now and not the last few years?

They used it in ads for Miraphone and Hirsbrunner copies. They're both definitely NOT of "American" design...

They've always done it. Nothing new.

Or is it all just that some people are pissed that they paid too much...

A) I've been talking about their BS for nearly 3 years, which is as long as I've known about it. If I had known earlier I would have called it out earlier.

B) I paid less than Laabs's price, not more, so no, not pissed about that at all.

[Highpitch]

To beat eBay autocorrect put your word(s) in quotes.

DDG

[MartyNeilan]

I bought a "Schillaphone" from Jim Laabs a couple years ago. FedEx really did a number on it, despite a hard case and several layers of packing and boxing (they don't just pick on you, Dale!)
JL went out of their way to make sure I was fully compensated, and not just the $90 that FedEx originally offered.
In my opinion, they provided excellent service.
Ad copy is just that - take the useful part and discard the rest (remember the Rolls Royce of tubas?)

[Michael Bush]

Not used, and no cousins were involved. It was an unusual transaction, and I do not know all the thinking involved in getting to the final result.

It doesn't seem likely that they're going to be getting cheaper in the future unless someone (Laabs?) uses them as a loss leader.

[Wyvern]

As you will imagine, I have heard a lot of people playing the Bubbie tuba. No you are not going to get a big fat tuba sound from it, but the tone in my experience varies more from player to player than any other type of tuba. It does not partially correct people's weaknesses like a full size tuba does - the sound coming out is very much reflected by the buzz going in. It is also a tuba which if overblown barks just like a trombone - it must be treated like the baby it is, with respect to get the best sound.

The person who as far as I know has spent the most time playing a Bubbie tuba is James Stretton, as he uses it daily in his multi-instrumental stage shows. Just listen to the sound he gets out in this YouTube video he did for Bubbie's first birthday - http://youtu.be/5HFXfpdUzyc

You can also hear him playing duet with John Elliott (on Holton 6/4 CC) at http://youtu.be/l9CeLLPJYjw

Now for the matter of price - Jim Laabs were previously selling the little mini tuba at considerably more than Mack, or Wessex and I guess it was not selling. My guess as a retailer is that they have currently slashed the price to try to move excess stock - it is better to make little, or no profit than have money tied up in non-selling stock. I at Wessex do that myself. If you look at the http://www.wessex-Tubas.co.uk website, several items are at reduced prices on which I will make little profit. I also have some at ridiculous low prices on ebay.

[Dan Schultz]

WOW! $997. Think I'll buy six at THAT price! .... and 'German Engineered', too!

[sousaphone68]

No need for a new link their list price is in the ebay listing

SCHILLER AMERICAN HERITAGE MINI Eb/F TUBA
The Attitude, The Authority, the American Tuba Sound.
The Schiller American Heritage 4-Valve Mini F Tuba has super punchy and projecting sound in an purposely-designed minature tuba shell!
Features:
• 4-Valve Rotary Valves
• 12" Bell
• Genuine Schiller Mouthpiece
• Schiller Hard Case
Schiller American Heritage 4-Valve Mini F Tuba - Reclaimin the American Tuba Heritage.
List Price: $2480

[sousaphone68]

http://www.jimlaabsmusic.com/band-orche ... _7100.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

Previously sold by them for $1800 now $997 did any one buy at $1800?
Looks like Neptunes suggestion may be correct no interest at $1800 dump stock at close to cost price,
or IMHO below cost to skew market or distract from other dealers.

[sousaphone68]

Nope. They didn't didn't previously sell for $1800. More marketing verbiage. The one they had sold for $850.

Is it not misleading verbiage?

I don't know what the trading standard laws are in the US but a print media ad like that would run foul of trading standards and advertising standards in Ireland.

Have they committed to keeping this product in their line up at this price?

[sousaphone68]

Don't know, but they have them now. If I call and get any info, I'll pass it along...

There is not a quantity available listed on the ebay listing so maybe there is only one available at the bargain price and the rest will be closer to a retail price which I can only guess at being between $997 and $1800.

[Wyvern]

The simple fact or the matter is selling at $997, Jim Laabs is making marginal profit and that is just considering the direct costs (not general business expenses) and it is not an economically viable price at which to sell, except over a short period of time as a special promotion (loss leader).

Will Neptune match their current sell for price of $997, which is > $100 more than they previously sold for?

I'd just as soon buy one from him... I like his logo better!

I will tell you what - as a SPECIAL PROMOTION to any US TubeNeters reading this thread - for US orders of lacquer Bubbie placed with Wessex Tubas LLC, Michigan before the end of November 2012 with full payment (while stock lasts), or $100 deposit (if on order), we will sell for $995

Phone Andy Loree (Wessex US Distribution agent) on 616-843-6888 or email Sales@Wessex-tubas.com" target="_blank and quote SCHILLER-BEATER to order at that special price.

We will not make on that deal, but I would rather see Bubbie with Wessex logo on out there! - pleased you like the logo better LJV

[Wyvern]

Can I call Andy with a credit card number?

Go ahead LJV - be the first!

[Bob Kolada]

Jonathan, what else are you willing to let go of for a grand?

[Wyvern]

Jonathan, what else are you willing to let go of for a grand?

Bob, Come and say hello at the Midwest Clinic (booth 593) - and we can discuss what you would like

[MackBrass]

My Bet is that they are not selling what they have and they may be just unloading them, or its a very short term advertising ploy to get others talking about it, like what is happening now. At $997.00, this is a lost leader for a business with huge overhead and my bet is that it will be very short lived.

Who ever does buy one from them, just make sure they do have others in stock just in case you have an issue or you get one that is damaged so they can exchange it. They are fun horns to play and if Jonathan lets you have one at this price, his logo is nicer than Shill.

[MackBrass]

Also forgot to mention, their ad says 12 inch bell, it is not, its only 8.

[Michael Bush]

Laabs must have been losing money on the 186 CC copy, HB BBb copy, and a bunch of others all this time.

I wonder why they would want to do that...? Altruism or craziness, I guess...

It looks to me like their prices on those instruments pretty much line up with everyone else's, with the HB copy on the high side... ???