Need Tuba Opinions M&M, Schiller, Tuba Exchange

[Truefarce]

Hi,

I am currently a college student and am looking to buy a tuba.

I have a few set out and need/want opinions on them, preferably by people who have actually played one of them.

MM-TU 5/4 4500 CC Tuba
Schiller American Heritage 5-valve Compensating (its a normal 5th valve) CC
St Petersburg Model 210 CC

Any information such as strengths or weaknesses about any of these horns would be appreciated in my quest to find the right one!

[bort]

You want the guy on the left, or the guy on the right?



But really, I'd probably look for another option altogether. St. Pete's are "okay," but you can get something better used for the price of a new one. The Chinese 4+1 CC has some issues. Maybe they have been resolved, but I think it's indicative that two of the most highly regarded "budget" tuba places (Wessex and Mack) haven't stocked the 4+1 CC in a very long time... because of those issues.

Frankly, if you need a 4+1 CC in the $4,000's, I'd keep my eyes open around here for a Conn 52J/56J or something like that. Seems like they re-sell for low prices now, and they are very nice tubas, perfect for a college student.

This one might still be available:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=68104&hilit=52j#p559543" target="_blank

[thevillagetuba]

I would agree with Bort above. Those models are no longer carried by some of the big importorters of horns and there are a lot of mixed views about their quality. I would honestly invest in something used. There are a few 56Js on the forum and one at BBC for about $5,500 or so. If you really want to stay at $4,000, then here is an option at Dillon's Music that would work well for you:

A Jupiter 584S CC: https://www.dillonmusic.com/p-23426-jup ... 4s-cc.aspx" target="_blank

Otherwise, I would keep an eye out on the forum and used shops for a 52/56J, a CB/G-50, or enlarge your budget. The rotor clones of the Miraphone are fantastic, but there really aren't clones I have found that were good and had pistons.

[MackBrass]

You want the guy on the left, or the guy on the right?



But really, I'd probably look for another option altogether. St. Pete's are "okay," but you can get something better used for the price of a new one. The Chinese 4+1 CC has some issues. Maybe they have been resolved, but I think it's indicative that two of the most highly regarded "budget" tuba places (Wessex and Mack) haven't stocked the 4+1 CC in a very long time... because of those issues.

Frankly, if you need a 4+1 CC in the $4,000's, I'd keep my eyes open around here for a Conn 52J/56J or something like that. Seems like they re-sell for low prices now, and they are very nice tubas, perfect for a college student.

This one might still be available:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=68104&hilit=52j#p559543" target="_blank" target="_blank

Nope, never sold this model or offered it as i felt there were too many issues with it.

One thing I have wondered, is there such a thing as a CC compensating tuba? Or a BBb/CC or a CC/BBb tuba? Never played one but I do see them advertised. I know if you push that 5th valve thingy down on a CC tuba, it makes it a really, really flat BBb tuba but all the other notes just dont seem to work as they are very sharp. Maybe thats how the other models are designed? In 40 years of playing i never played one that works. Am i missing some new trend? ggg

[eupher61]

MackBrass 410. aka Miraclone

Beautiful instrument, plays great, Tom will give you great service. Muvh better than the one you asked about.

[insignia100]

I'll second Mack Brass! I bought a TU-200 from Tom and couldn't be more pleased. I've gotten several complements on the quality and sound of the horn from guys who play instruments costing 5x as much as the TU-200 cost me. Tom is also great to deal with.

[Lars Trawen]

In Sweden, at Windcorp in Stockholm, you can buy a Jupiter JCB-584, in silver for about 2,500 USD.
It's in excellent shape with hard case and is very little used. Not at all the last four years.
An extra set of slides in gold plate is attached.
It has been used by a former employee who now has moved to a new job.
Good luck,
Lars