Used versus new

[Donn]

Maybe some Chinese makers have discovered "Quality Control."

Semantics note here: quality control is not about making sure that your instrument is a good one, it's about making sure that everyone's instrument is a good one. One good trombone, or a dozen, proves nothing about quality control.

[eupher61]

Maybe some Chinese makers have discovered "Quality Control."

Semantics note here: quality control is not about making sure that your instrument is a good one, it's about making sure that everyone's instrument is a good one. One good trombone, or a dozen, proves nothing about quality control.

Which leads to the question about Alexander and Cerveny. We calmly advise to check each of these brands more specifically than some others.

[Wyvern]

Maybe some Chinese makers have discovered "Quality Control."

Semantics note here: quality control is not about making sure that your instrument is a good one, it's about making sure that everyone's instrument is a good one. One good trombone, or a dozen, proves nothing about quality control.

True example here - In January I had in a batch of new EEb tubas from the factory. A top London professional was interested in buying having tried the Wessex EEb last year. I took eight examples from latest delivery to his house (as many as would fit in my van) for him and another London pro to spent the whole afternoon play testing. Not one was a lemon - they all played pretty consistently, although as in all brass there was minor variations (I heard comments like "the B on this one is incredible, while the Bb speaks better on that one") and after 3 hours they narrowed it down to two which were both corkers - excellent across all ranges. The second pro which had just come around to help choose, liked number two choice enough that he is having for himself!

Quality control on final finish, such as polishing to high sheen needs to sometimes be improved (or maybe acceptance level in finish needs raising - which I am to discuss with factory), but all important playing wise the Chinese manufactured tubas seem more consistent than the old British made Besson from what I have heard from a few UK pros.

[royjohn]

I'll add my $.02 here. I recently sold my BBb Besson (1975), which was too big for me,
and searched for something else. Narrowed the search down to something like a
Mack Brass TU-200 and a King 1241. I located a three year old Golden Cup BBb for
$1000 and bought that. After the quick sale of the Besson, I only had $200 out of
pocket. The Golden Cup plays OK with a few alternate fingerings. If I had bought a
King, I'd have had about $1000 out of pocket.

If I change tubas again, I can't see losing much more than $200 on a sale of the
Golden Cup (assuming that there's a buyer), if I take good care of it. Comparing
the time value of the $800 saved, I might lose $100. A hundred dollars to use a
horn for three to five years seems like a reasonable "rent."

[finnbogi]

Maybe some Chinese makers have discovered "Quality Control."

Semantics note here: quality control is not about making sure that your instrument is a good one, it's about making sure that everyone's instrument is a good one. One good trombone, or a dozen, proves nothing about quality control.

The way I understand quality contol, it is not even about making sure that all products are "good" i.e. of high quality, but that all products are of uniform quality, thereby fulfilling expectations.
For example, the big fast food and coffee chains have advanced QC systems making sure that your hamburger or coffee will taste exactly as vile in all corners of the world.

[jimtheob]

I agree with the posts about the use of the term "Quality control." I feel that the good quality of my horn is probably the result of the name "Bach" that appears on the horn and also the fact that I bought it from a dealer (Reeves Brass) who is also a trombonist. I just meant to say that I was surprised at the quality of the horn. I have seen the horn for much less than I paid, but it has to be ordered directly from China. I am not a great professional but a composer who also plays bass trombone. My other horn, an Olds P-24G is so good that if I ever get any complaints I can use that instead. I am just a bit put off by the blanket condemnation of Chinese-made instruments. Thanks for all the thoughtful comments.