Chinese Tubas?

[cdtuba]

I recently started a new job as a high school band director in central West Virginia, and things are in a very sorry state with regards to equipment. My shopping list has progressed to the point where my next items of critical need are tubas and sousaphones.

As much as the tuba snob in me would like to get name brand instruments, I just can't afford a fleet of Miraphone, Yamaha, or the like. I'll be purchasing four of whatever I choose, and probably a pair of euphoniums, as well.

My search for affordable low brass has lead me to Wisemann through the recommendation of Baltimore Brass, and Mack through Google.

Any input on those, or any other recommendations?

[cdtuba]

<soapbox>
Although there is nothing that you can probably do about it, school systems also need to enter the 21st Century and consider bids on "used" as POSSIBLY "best" bids. It's far more important to be "fair" to the taxpayers than to any possible bidders (as so many bids tend to be tailored to be only possibly filled by one bidder anyway).
</soapbox>

Used are an option, and one that I look in to periodically. The problem is finding four tubas that fit the requirements at once.

[balchb]

Both are fine companies to deal with. I have wessex tuba (also Chinese) and have been very impressed with the build quality. No it's not Miraphone, but for the cost of getting a couple things tweaked that need it, and I could buy three or four of these for what one miraphone cost

Also wessex, Eastman, and John packer sell some really fine tubas too.

+1

[toakstertuba]

Seriously check out Wessex. I recently bought the five valve Luzern. I'm truly amazed by the quality of this instrument not only "for the cost" but I've paid much more for name brand horns that I liked half as much (B&S and miraphone). I'm sure they'd work out a deal for buying multiple horns for a school as well. I agree about the piston valves though. Seems like a safer student route. The "Wisconsin" would be a great option and at $2825 listed new (and even discounted "cosmetically flawed" ones for cheaper)...seems like a great choice. Not to mention three year factory warranty/easily obtained parts, great cases, and really decent (gold) mouthpieces (way better than what my high school had). You should give Andy a call... he's great to work with. No, I don't work for Wessex (but I'd be proud to), I'm just very impressed with my new buy.

[TUbajohn20J]

For good quality sousas, there are two overhauled matching Conn 22K's on eBay right now that are way better (and cheaper) than any new sousaphone that's produced. http://m.ebay.com/itm/CONN-22K-FIBERGLA ... nav=SEARCH" target="_blank" target="_blank


As for Chinese horns, not a fan. Get good used King 2341 new or old style. American made with 4 front action valves. Perfect for high school.
Some fine examples.http://m.ebay.com/itm/KING-MODEL-1241-4 ... nav=SEARCH" target="_blank" target="_blank
http://m.ebay.com/itm/VG-Ready-to-go-Co ... nav=SEARCH" target="_blank" target="_blank

[hduong]

for marching horn, I'd steer clear of the chinese marching horns, the braces just fall off when doing horn snaps/visuals. I'd buy used from a drum corps, discounted pricing for usually like new horns. If you go with a marching tuba, I'd recommend the Yamaha YBB-202M, light weight horn with great projection and for the most part solid intonation. Can't say anything about sousaphones since I just don't have any longterm experience with them.

[Art Hovey]

Kings are very good, as mentioned above. But if I had to choose I would go for the 4/4 size Big Mouth Brass BBb tuba instead. Made in China, but made very well.
I do like my new Tiger plastic tuba, but doubt if it could last long in a school.

[eupho]

Since you are in Virginia I recommend you contact Tom McGrady at Mack Brass in Petersburg, VA. The 201 BBb tubas are outstanding as are the 410 CCs. Yes they are built by Jinbao in China but Tom and his staff check every instrument carefully and their prices are budget friendly. Although I have never played their euphonium it has gotten great reviews on here. Hope that helps. Check out their demo videos on youtube. Their website is mackbrass.com. One tubanet Tom's screen name is Mctuba.

Rob in NY

M

[balchb]

I can see the Wessex Luzern model being a very durable rotary horn for school use. My CC Mahler and the BBb Luzern I played at Andy's house felt solid and the brass was sturdier than what I expected.

The only dent in my CC is a tiny ding from my son chucking a toy at it when I was practicing... I think the toy has a mark, too. I set it on the bell on the tile floor in my bamd room and although the bell rim is scuffed up, it is holding up very well.

If you are looking for a long-lasting war horse like the old Yamaha upright 4-valve, this is the next best thing.