Opus K962S4+1 CC tuba
This CC tuba reminds me of something almost the size of a Thor CC, with that kind of girth in the bell throat, but I think it's a little smaller. It's taller than a Miraphone 91 series tuba. The 5th slide was a bit short, but otherwise it played fairly in tune with itself and even all around. It's not super open down low, but fine. The 5th paddle is awkward, partly from having to move your thumb to the side to activate it. But Eastman and JP Sterling do the same and they work. So, ergonomics aren't perfect, but could be adjusted. It's a little slower responding overall than a nice German tuba. I'd rate it not terrible, half decent, but it doesn't yet have even the cache of Eastman/JP/Wisemann. I wouldn't yet take an Opus to a gig. I think they have potential, despite my lack of interest in cheap tubas. It's supposed to be about the same price as Packer/Wisemann/Mack, and comes with a case. I think that's a bit high in price, with them having little marketing or sales infrastructure in place here. 19-20mm bore, 480mm bell, 990mm height, 11kg
Opus K992LR4 BBb tuba
This BBb tuba looks to use about the same parts in the body as the CC. The shape of this one makes me think of a Miraphone Hagen 4/4 or 5/4. Those models are so new, I wouldn't think this is modeled after them. None of the local Opus people knew what the archetype was for these tubas. Playing wise, the BBb is pretty good. I'd rate it higher than a JP Sterling rotary BBb as far as response and evenness between notes. The open F bottom of the staff seemed high to my ears, but other pitches were fine. Mechanically, the valves seem good, but the linkages are cheap and the miniball parts were all loose and rattly. Packer is much better in that arena. Opus needs a better quality linkage or it's just a rattle trap from day one. They said they'd look for a new source for better parts. The key levers may be nickel plated brass. Flimsy, but par for the course. Street price may be in the $5K+ range. Still high for an unknown with linkage issues. 19-20mm bore, 450mm bell, 960mm height, 11kg
Both these show typical lower end manufacturing traits. There are some small ripples or waviness in the bows and bells, like there was some manipulation of the parts to join them properly. The tubas are decently buffed and polished, but not as shiny as the pro tubas we love. The importer is in Southern California and says they keep parts in stock. They claim to be their own manufacturer, not Jinbao. The fit and finish quality looks similar to me, though these both play a bit better than a Jinbao IMHO.
I don't know what dealers are representing these stateside, but these tubas may appear as stencil instruments under other brand names, as the maker offers private labeling. They're eager to sell these two demo models, and dealer inquiries are invited.
Opus USA Musical Instruments
1701 E. Edinger Ave.
Ste G3-G4
Santa Ana, CA 92705
http://www.usaopus.com" target="_blank" target="_blank
714.884.3293
-F
