student tubas and euphoniums

[dhbtoo]

A friend of mine is a middle school band teacher in a rather impoverished community. He is in need of additional student level euphoniums and 3/4 tubas.

When I was in the business we always used Yamaha for these, but I taught in a much wealthier community so purchasing these was not a problem. I'm not sure where to steer him.

I'm a trumpeter playing tuba so my tuba experience is limited. I play a Wessex Eb, and I love the play of the horn, but I find the valve cap threads a bit fine and easily cross threaded and not suitable for students. Other than that, the Wessex is a lot of tuba for the money.

So, decent student level tubas and euphoniums -- what does everyone recommend?

[thevillagetuba]

I know a lot of school systems do not like to shop on the used market, so if they want new, I would recommend contacting Tom at MACK Brass. He is not only a great guy to work with, but he does his best to make sure he has parts in case anything goes wrong or needs to be fixed on his horns. Made by JinBao, just as Wessex is, he might have some threading problems with the pistons, but I don't think there will be many other options if the school has a limited budget and wants new.

[dhbtoo]

Not sure how this system feels about the used market, but I suspect if the instrument came from a reputable dealer in good shape they would be good with it.

Getting a horn repaired locally is important here. There was a time when you just couldn't get a Chinese horn repaired in The States. I know that is not entirely the case anymore.

I do appreciate your input and will pass it on.

[Rick F]

I agree with your take on Yamaha being a good choice for euphonium. The YEP-201 (3 valve) is an excellent horn for students. They're sturdily made and the valve threads are not as 'fussy' as some other import models. But — they're pricey new. Possibly he could find used 201s for around $500 each.

[Three Valves]

I play a Wessex Eb, and I love the play of the horn, but I find the valve cap threads a bit fine and easily cross threaded and not suitable for students. Other than that, the Wessex is a lot of tuba for the money.

My Jr BBb from Wessex has no such issues and is a copy of the ybb105/jupiter 378

[mshores]

Tell him to call that Bloke guy. That's what I did when my middle school band had no tuba and not a lot of money.

[thejester10276]

Pretty sure I saw this in the for sale section, but you can't go too wrong with one of these with the current price and/or the option of making an offer
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-REYNOLDS-CO ... SwWfFXj8oQ" target="_blank

[g3dahl]

The JinBao instruments (Mack, Wessex, etc.) did have valve threading issues at one time, but that problem has been solved. My Wessex tuba (Luzern) is about a year old and the threads are perfect. The horn is very solid, beautifully made.

[Mudman]

The JinBao instruments (Mack, Wessex, etc.) did have valve threading issues at one time, but that problem has been solved. My Wessex tuba (Luzern) is about a year old and the threads are perfect. The horn is very solid, beautifully made.

I purchased a Wessex Dolce euphonium this summer. The threads on one of the valve caps was problematic. I had to send the horn back for an issue with a hole in the piston, but on the plus side, the issue was resolved quickly.

I think the horn is a bargain, and sounds great. For around $1000, it is hard to beat.

I agree that cross threading the valves might be a problem in a school setting. Then again, the students probably never oil the valves, so it might not matter . . .

[g3dahl]

If the build quality of the John Packer instruments is anything like it appears in the pictures I have seen, they must be really something. One of my friends (the original owner of my Luzern) has the JP CC tuba. I look forward to trying it out someday.

[ken k]

Dillon sells a stenciled 7/8 BBb tuba that resembles the Jupiter 730 (or what used to named the 382).

I have had one of these Jupiter 382 tubas at my school for many years and it plays decently. It most certainly is fine for Middle school students. As its name suggests, it is a 7/8 horn, not as small as the Yamaha 105 but not as big as a 4/4 horn.

for $995 I can't imagine finding anything else that would be better for the price. Plus I would think Matt Walters at Dillon would make sure the horn works as it should.


Dillon also makes a $795.00 4 valve non-compensating euph, which my friend bought, and it plays fine.

ken k

[sousaphonehero]

Bloke, my band director is looking to buy a new sousaphone for under $4,000. I told him to call you because of your experience with importing decent-or-better-quality Chinese horns. I don't think he has yet and I will get on his case about it in the next few days, but I hope you'll be able to help.

[Scubatuba]

BESSON BE162- Three valve large shank with watercatcher and plastic coated springs
BESSON BE165- Four valve non comp three and one system, large shank, watercatcher and plastic coated springs.
BESSON BE187- Three valve BBb 3/4 tuba with carriage rings

[pgym]

BESSON BE162- Three valve large shank with watercatcher and plastic coated springs

$1900-2100

BESSON BE165- Four valve non comp three and one system, large shank, watercatcher and plastic coated springs.

$2,500.00-2,650.00

BESSON BE187- Three valve BBb 3/4 tuba with carriage rings

$3100

Wessex and Mack Brass comp euphs and 3/4 tubas are FAR better players for less than half the price.

[MackBrass]

I know a lot of school systems do not like to shop on the used market, so if they want new, I would recommend contacting Tom at MACK Brass. He is not only a great guy to work with, but he does his best to make sure he has parts in case anything goes wrong or needs to be fixed on his horns. Made by JinBao, just as Wessex is, he might have some threading problems with the pistons, but I don't think there will be many other options if the school has a limited budget and wants new.

Threading issues were never really a problem with what we carry. We have sold well over 1600 euphs and the few times
we encountered an issue, it was easily fixed with a replacement valve cap. I don't carry any piston BBb tubas so i cant speak for those models but JinBao does make a very nice valve.

[Wyvern]

Five years ago when Wessex Tubas started, valve cap threads were a big issue, but as time has gone on this has been sorted and the last batch we checked, over 200 horns, there was not a single valve threading issue.

As well as checking at factory, we then oil valves and check thread again before shipping and even have custom chasing tools (rarely used) to re-do the thread if there is an issue such as damage from cross-threading.

Regarding Bloke's comment above, I can't say I have noticed any difference in the reliability of threads on lacquered and silver-plated horns.

The TB330 Junior BBb tuba is a really good playing student horn. We have sold quite a lot, with only good comments
http://www.wessex-tubas.com/product/tb330/

For school orders Wessex Tubas will give increasing discount for quantity. Contact me for specific quote at Jonathan@Wessex-Tubas.com" target="_blank

[Scubatuba]

Wessex and Mack Brass comp euphs and 3/4 tubas are FAR better players for less than half the price.

Hmmm. For some reason this sounds biased to me. So you've played the Bessons or do you just sell the mackbrass and wessex?

[Three Valves]

Just worked on yet another newly purchased well-known Chinese stenciled tuba. 3 weeks-ish old at the time. The valve caps were nearly impossible to get on and off. New owner was not amused. Bought it for his middle schooler.

Matched the best cap to each casing, stamped each cap with its corresponding number, and then gently lapped them together as possible. They now work if extreme care is taken. Had to charge him for the time it took.

Glad I didn't sell it to him.

Could you have advised him to seek compensation from the re-seller to have it covered under warranty??

[pgym]

Wessex and Mack Brass comp euphs and 3/4 tubas are FAR better players for less than half the price.

Hmmm. For some reason this sounds biased to me.

Maybe it's because you get paid to sell Besson.

So you've played the Bessons or do you just sell the mackbrass and wessex?

Damn straight, I've played them. Dozens to times. And EVERY time I've done a DOUBLE BLIND test of Bessons against another brand, the Bessons lose.

And unlike you, I don't make money hawking instruments.

Bias? Thy name is Scubatuba.