Jestädt F-Tuba Tiger model 90

[cjk]

Has anyone ever played a Jestädt F-Tuba Tiger model 90?

https://jestaedt-instrumente.de/?grid_p ... -90-f-tuba" target="_blank

I find the oddly shaped slides and upper bow to be quite interesting looking. *Some* of the pictured examples obviously use Miraphone valves.

[Fritztuba]

I have never heard of this brand. However, the valves look like Miraphone valves. Thank you for sharing.

[tbonesullivan]

From reading a translation of the "about" on the website, it's a relatively small shop run by Bernd and Ilona Jestädt in Bimbach. Looks like Bernd worked for Miraphone for around a decade or so, and got all of his Bavarian brass making credentials. Looks like around 1300 square feet workshop space and 1100 floor space.

[Snake Charmer]

The Jestädts are making pretty good instruments. Traditional workmanship and own designs are not that common today, and they are still at a reasonable price. And you can have your own custom-made horn in any shape and size from them if you ask. I have not played the F Tiger yet but all other Jestädt horns I played were quit nice.
The "Sinus-Line" bows with the assymetrical shape are not completely their own invention, Schenkelaars (Netherlands) made similar looking bows some 40 years back. They claimed some "aerodynamical advantages" back then.

[cjk]

what struck me as a bit odd is:
[*]Bore increasing from 19.6 - 21.2 mm
Those are obviously Miraphone bore sizes.
Some of the pictures of this model obviously have Miraphone valves.

But this particular tuba does not appear to have Miraphone valves:


And it appears that the water key on the interestingly shaped main tuning slide is not in the correct spot to let out any water without leaning the tuba over quite a bit.

[EMC]

Thats very interesting and unique. Cant remember the last time i discovered a new instrument brand that wasnt another chinese brand.

[bort]

Made in Germany or China?

With a name like Tiger and a mashup of other makers design elements... Hard to tell.

[tbonesullivan]

Made in Germany or China?

With a name like Tiger and a mashup of other makers design elements... Hard to tell.

Someone mentioned above that they were custom built, so I'm guessing they are German. The owner built tubas at Miraphone for 13 years, so he's definitely got the skills.

Tiger was a tradename used for quite some time by Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co of Solingen Germany. There have been all kinds of strange brand names registered in Germany over the years.

Also.. don't for get those WWII TANKS.

[bort]

Thanks!

[SousaWarrior9]

Jestädt designed the original tuba that was cloned to create the first gen "bubbie" tuba that Wessex et. al. sold.
They had a whole line of smaller (3/4 esque) tubas that seemed to be aimed as comfortable for kids to hold and play, which seemed to be pretty cool and unique in design.
I'd love to try one, Assuming they're of Miraphone level quality, must be pretty decent at the least.

[TheBerlinerTuba]

We see a number of Tübchen from Jestädt here in Berlin in for service from time to time. They are popular with a wide range of players from music school students to serious amateurs and professionals as well.
Unlike the "copies" from various chinese firms, they are made here in Germany and are at the quality level of a Miraphone/Melton/B&S.

My favorite has always been the 5 valve Tübchen in F:)

The Tiger is an excellent F-Tuba, but I still prefer my 1970 Symphonie.

If you have any questions, you can of course write Bernd directly @ https://jestaedt-instrumente.de/

[tbonesullivan]

Their Flugelhorn is definitely an interesting look, with a bunch of those angular bends. But it seems like people like them.

I guess the Tiger is their one "Tuba" really oriented towards the pro player? All the others are quite small.