My newest: Wisemann 900

[hubert]

Yesterday I have got a new tuba, a Wisemann 900. Should be one of the first in Europe.
First impressions are in accordance with what I have read on Tubenet so far. Nice sound, good intonation, very even through the whole range. Valves work fine. Overall a very good tuba.

To be improved:
1. Thread of valve caps/tubes (one of them has been cut really lousily).
2. Lackering process (or cleaning before lackering): the instrument shows several little brown spots underneath the lacker.

Besides that, I feel the instrument deserves a good lightweight case. The present case makes me think of a coffin

Thanks to all who have "reviewed" this instrument on Tubenet: was very helpful.
Hubert

[hubert]

OK, Curmudgeon. I intend to consult my (very experienced German) repairman and will let you know.
It is my impression so far that all caps could be improved. Where the problem is worst (3rd valve), the thread of the casing seems to be badly cut as well.
Hubert

[Ken Crawford]

For some every Chinese tuba I've seen has these poorly cut fine threads on the valve caps/casings.

[hubert]

Right, Bloke, the original is only offered with an INVALUABLE case .
Hubert

[hubert]

To Curmudgeon's question.
I had my repairman look at the valves. I will try to reproduce his comments. Please, excuse me for not using the right terminology in English.
1. In some areas the threading of (at least one) of the casings looks badly weared off or damaged. This must have been caused by sanding, buffing or polishing before assembly.
It is very difficult and expensive to replace the threading on the casings, because this cannot be done on the assembled casings. One could think of making an alternative fitting of the cap to the casing, but he recommends to use it very carefully as it is now as long as possible.
2. The upper caps only have two thread turns. This makes it extra difficult to replace the cap right. Moreover, he wonders how long it will have enough grip on the casing with severe damage/wear of the threading.
3. The bottom caps show 4 thread turns and are the same measure as the top caps.
So, now we have swopped the upper caps and bottom caps, because I more often unscrew the top caps than the bottom caps. Unscrewing and replacing of the ("new") top caps feel better and safer now. We had to adapt the thickness of the felt on top by ca. 1 mm for the adjustment of the valves.
For the time being ......we hope and pray.....??
Hubert

[hubert]

Addition: because the bottom caps work well on top of the valves (They have more threading), I have decided to have them copied. So in future I am going to use only bottom caps (for top and bottom) instead of 4 and 4.
Then the problem will be solved to my satisfaction, I feel.
Hubert

[hubert]

The shop, I have bought the tuba from (JS Musique at Lyon-France, one of the two importers of Wisemann in Europe), has contacted Wisemann. I was promised that 4 new top caps with more and better threading would be delivered in short notice.
Hubert

[MackBrass]

As the American distributer I can second your thoughts on the valve caps and this is something I have address with them. Aside from that the quality, sound and intonation in on part with anything else out there. The one they made for me actually has my name engraved and they did a bunch of scroll work around the bell. This is my choice tuba over anything else. I have said this before I think this will be the first model made in China someone will use to win a major audition on.

[hubert]

Yes, Tom, I fully agree with your view about the playing qualities. It is a marvellous instrument. Sound, intonation, flexilibility, eveness through the register: again and again an invitation to take the baby on your lap and play it.

My critical notes relate to minor technical issues. The make of valve caps can easily be improved, above all the top caps need more threading circuits.
The little spots underneath the lacker: a pity. But I have seen this with very expensive brands as well.
Hubert