Wisemann PT-6p Clones

[Cthuba]

Has anyone had any experience on these clones?

[Cthuba]

I'm just curious if anyone has one (Wisemann version) and how these compare to the BMB J-845 in terms of sound and the thickness of the metal. ( I could care less if the fifth valve is dependent because I do enjoy playing on those horns). I'm kind of torn between these two piston horns at the moment.

[Cthuba]

Interesting. The reason why I am inquiring about the thickness of the metal is because of how easily a BMB tuba I had seemed to dent up. Now the logical answer to this is be more careful... but even then it got dents. That is the only issue I have with BMB. Other than that I really like these horns. I tried a Pt-6 which was good as well and almost comparable to the BMB and it's cheaper... which is the heart of my dilemma.

[efer2014]

Just got to play a Wisemann PT-6P clone. After we replaced the springs, WOW. Just WOW. One of the complaints I have always had about most of the clone tubas is that depending on the valve combination I have down, it can feel like a completely different horn. This instrument is just fluid and easy to play. Heavy as heck, but well worth the 5500 my friend spent on it!!!

[bort]

Reportedly...

You don't know either...?

[bort]

AH, so reportedly, it is the only one in the USA. Not reportedly, you have the tuba in your possession (who knows what tubas are lurking around there right now). Whoops.

(Slow day...)

[MikeMason]

Very happy with mine.could use some blokerizing,but been working for me just fine as is.

[iiipopes]

So how long do I have to wait for the Wisemann Clone? That is in itself an reported improvement over its originator, which was an improvement over the PT6P.

People can tell you that a copy plays better than the thing it copies (and I've seen it occur before...and not just regarding musical instruments), but you'll only know for yourself if you play it for yourself (assuming you have any experience at all with a variety of PT-6P tubas).

TubeNet- talk (yes, mine as well) is hot air. Playing and inspection is the only proof.

Skipping over your 'copy-of-a-copy' conjecture...

...as soon as you can drive halfway to me - Jasper, Alabama (with $5500 and enough extra to entice me to drive and meet you there) - is as soon as you can have one.

Word. That's how I purchased my Reynolds 'glass souzy: drove half-way to meet the seller.

[rodmathews]

Scott Choate has one and he sounds great on it. He even got the MAW valves to fit in it. I have a PT-6P and it plays pretty similarly. It's a great horn for the money.

[MKainuma]

I own and use one, it plays great, I like it quite a lot.

[Rivercity Tuba]

Prior to the 900 I played a Thor and the Wiseman was far superior. For whatever it is worth, I never cared for the PT6P, at least the several that I played.(I loved my Thor and had a good one I thought I'd never part with) but the Wiseman was that good. I made the decision to switch after extensive comparison at the hall while playing both instruments alone and with bass trombone with both me and Tom McGrady playing. Both the brass section and the music director prefer the clone. I also did some minor modifications. Feel free to PM me if I can answer any questions.I try to avoid the Tubenet conflicts.

Rich Serpa

[Worth]

As an amateur I absolutely love my Wisemann 900. It speaks and responds best for me in all registers with the current model euro shank GW Bayamo although the "gap" measured at .5 is a bit more than recommended. With an American shank old style heavyweight Bayamo I have to add a bit of teflon tape to get to the recommended .350 "gap" and the sound regardless is noticeably darker in texture and less lively, although for some applications this may be desirable. For the most precise articulation and ease of playing an American shank Blokepiece symphony is the winner but not as colorful a sound as I can produce and change on the fly with the currently offered Bayamo. Extreme low range is of course easiest with the old style heavy Bayamo but the basement is more accessible every day with smaller MPs as I progress. Cool to hear of some heavy hitters now sporting a 900 with positive comments.

[bort]

I own and use one, it plays great, I like it quite a lot.

Wow... then it MUST be good.

[Donn]

So, who is, or was, Wisemann?

[jtcu4]

I hope not. I would also like to hear about the PT 10 clones. Keep it going!!!

As one of the first to have the PT 10 clones (from Mack Brass at least), I can certainly say that if you want a quality 5v F tuba, you won't find another option that comes close for under 5k. I may have only logged 10 hours or so on the horn, but it's certainly been enough to gather a first impression.

Having played a handful of PT 10s, I feel this one is in the same ballpark as the best examples I've played. I would say that it's intonation is better than the majority of the PT10s I have played. The only note that is questionable is the low C, but for a rotary F, it's certainly acceptable. The response of the horn is very nice in the low register as well.

As far as build quality, it's not quite on the level of the established names, but there is nothing to complain about, especially for the price. The gold brass bell adds a nice warmth to the sound that I prefer in an F. Strong soldering, well aligned and machined slides, and rotors that work without a hitch. For a shade less than 3500, I don't see how anyone could find much to complain about with this horn. I'm very thankful that there are now quality options available for those that are on a tight budget wishing to buy an F.

[bisontuba]

I hope not. I would also like to hear about the PT 10 clones. Keep it going!!!

As one of the first to have the PT 10 clones (from Mack Brass at least), I can certainly say that if you want a quality 5v F tuba, you won't find another option that comes close for under 5k. I may have only logged 10 hours or so on the horn, but it's certainly been enough to gather a first impression.

Having played a handful of PT 10s, I feel this one is in the same ballpark as the best examples I've played. I would say that it's intonation is better than the majority of the PT10s I have played. The only note that is questionable is the low C, but for a rotary F, it's certainly acceptable. The response of the horn is very nice in the low register as well.

As far as build quality, it's not quite on the level of the established names, but there is nothing to complain about, especially for the price. The gold brass bell adds a nice warmth to the sound that I prefer in an F. Strong soldering, well aligned and machined slides, and rotors that work without a hitch. For a shade less than 3500, I don't see how anyone could find much to complain about with this horn. I'm very thankful that there are now quality options available for those that are on a tight budget wishing to buy an F.

Hi-
Interesting...

Mark

[MikeMason]

A wisemann petrushka clone, hmmm...

[bort]

How about Wisemann makes something that *doesn't* already exist?

And I don't mean for this to ramp up the usual China discussion, but really... if they can build quality instruments, why not take the initiative to develop something brand new?

[MikeMason]

I assume the r&d $ needed for that would take away their one advantage.

[jtcu4]

I hope not. I would also like to hear about the PT 10 clones. Keep it going!!!

As one of the first to have the PT 10 clones (from Mack Brass at least), I can certainly say that if you want a quality 5v F tuba, you won't find another option that comes close for under 5k. I may have only logged 10 hours or so on the horn, but it's certainly been enough to gather a first impression.

Having played a handful of PT 10s, I feel this one is in the same ballpark as the best examples I've played. I would say that it's intonation is better than the majority of the PT10s I have played. The only note that is questionable is the low C, but for a rotary F, it's certainly acceptable. The response of the horn is very nice in the low register as well.

As far as build quality, it's not quite on the level of the established names, but there is nothing to complain about, especially for the price. The gold brass bell adds a nice warmth to the sound that I prefer in an F. Strong soldering, well aligned and machined slides, and rotors that work without a hitch. For a shade less than 3500, I don't see how anyone could find much to complain about with this horn. I'm very thankful that there are now quality options available for those that are on a tight budget wishing to buy an F.

Hi-
IMHO, the PT-10 was not the F tuba to clone--with the choices out there today, no reason not to have a solid low C. As a former famous well known tubist once said, 'In Berlioz, besides the high notes, you have a bunch of low C's that need to be played and heard.'
My 2 cents.
Mark

I wouldn't say that the C cannot be "played and heard". I'm having a good deal of success using the 3+5 combination for the low C with fairly good response. It's more about learning to use the resistance to your advantage, which isn't as big of a chore as most make it out to be. It is certainly very manageable. I'm not looking for the perfect horn, as such a thing doesn't exist. And for 3.5k, manageable is just fine with me.