Longevity of Chinese instruments

[cjk]

Seems pretty easy to buy full Chinese valve sections with the tuba still attached.

[Cthuba]

Thanks for the advice Bloke

[toobagrowl]

So anyway, the first trumpeter/cornetist in my quintet recently bought a couple of plastic trumpets, a C and a Bb trumpet. They are Chinese-made 'Tromba' brand trumpets, and they come in various colors, including metallic 'silver' and 'gold'. The leadpipe and pistons are metal-lined inside; the plastic is ABS. Amazingly, the trumpets look and sound like...........trumpets Seriously, they sound very good, look like regular brass trumpets from a distance, play easy, and very in-tune. I think he said the price was only about $175 for one. I think 'Tromba' is working on more models of trumpets and trombones. I wish they would start making tubas and other low brass, but that is probably unlikely.

There has been little talk about the plastic 'Tiger' tubas here. They don't seem to offer metallic silver and gold finishes, which I think would help the plastic tubas become more 'accepted'. And the price seems too high for a Chinese plastic tuba. I'm thinking if the Tiger tuba were up to the same high quality (sound/playability/finish) as the 'Tromba' trumpets and trombones, and at a more reasonable price range ($450 - $750) instead of $1000+, they would sell like hotcakes. Anyone else have personal experience with the Tiger tubas?

[balchb]

After $127 valve lap/acid bath to remove excess pitch from the horn's construction, my Wessex CC is playing great. I do need to switch slide grease because the recommended Super Lube synthetic grease isn't very good. I'm very happy to own it. Waiting to see how long the case will last, but the instrument feels solid.

Now let me gripe about the St. Pete's I bought 2 years ago for my school... in the hands of a caring student, this has already had 2 warranty repairs (thumb ring plate and main ferrule came apart as it was soldered only on one side!). My local repairman had much better things to say about my Wessex and he said the St. Pete's will not last.