Big Mouth Brass 3/4 CC Tuba!

[PatrickYoung]

Hi, I was wondering has anyone played these horns? Is there 3/4c tuba line of good quality? Also on a side note, does this company buy their tubas from the Chinese? Right now I'm playing on a 186 clone, and it's getting me by. However, I want an upgrade in sense of soloing, and still being able to get a full sound in concert band. Please help!
The horns I've looked at so far, is the Miraphone1292, MW 2145, Pt-6, Pt-3p, MW Thor, and kanstuls.
In the long run, I would like to earn my masters in performance. Which horn would be best!?
Thank you so much,

[PatrickYoung]

Sorry for posting this is the "For sale."
Hope it's no problem...

[Alex C]

BMB does not buy their instruments from China. To get a good idea of how it works, google Barth's Blog and read up on the horns.

The 3/4 CC has been bought by a number of people, including some professionals but no single horn fits what everybody wants. You mention some other manufacturers as alternatives. You are going to have to play these horns and decide what you like for yourself. Nobody on a BBS can do that for you.

[Euphtub]

I don't think it was intentionally misleading. There are companies that simply purchase instruments from Chinese factories without any oversight in development.

BMB originally had production in Brazil and then moved their own operation to China, correct?

[tubajon]

I loved these horns, esp. the 3/4 BBb

[ginnboonmiller]

Patrick, I haven't played the BMB tubas (although I'd really like to at some point). But given the list of tubas you mentioned, it seems like you're looking all over the place for something. I like the PT-6 a lot, but I don't think you'll find it easier for solos than your 186 clone, for instance. I'd say, if you get a chance, that you might really like the Rudolf Meinl 3/4 CC a lot, which is more like a 4/4 instrument, very responsive, and loud enough for a lot of orchestral and band work. If you get a chance to try out Barth's horns, you might want to check both his 3/4 and his 4/4 instruments, which are both really different from your current instrument, but probably give you what you're looking for in terms of easier to play but still big enough for a band.

[eupher61]

Im amazed at the turns in this thread. I don't know why, given the history in these parts.

Yes they are made in China, so yes they are bought from China. Not an opinion but an indisputable fact.

Yes these tubas have a place. Where that place is has to be a decision by individuals. Buy one or don't . Buy any Jin Bao made tuba or whatever instrument from any manufacturer...or don't . Either you like one or not. That means this is an opinion. No one can form another's opinion, but influence can be made. Let's make sure influence on opinions is based on first hand experience.

[bisontuba]

Hi-
I own a 4 valve version of this horn in lacquer. Great quintet horn. Don't take my word for it, go try them out.
Regards-
Mark

[J.c. Sherman]

Tried one of these a couple weeks ago. Me and my other two colleagues were absolutely blown away by the little 4v CC. It's bigger than a 622 Yamaha, and perhaps more powerful than my 184 Miraphone. I'm still thinking of getting one. It wasn't just a good tuba for the money... it was a damn good tuba!