By fine, you mean comparable to the other most expensive new options? No weird intonation issues or other surprises?

The durability issue is less of a concern for me, for all the reasons you brought up and because I'm lucky to have kids that are actually thoughtful and careful. I just want to make sure in terms of playing there's no downside vs. buying new Conn's or King's. If they play just as well then it seems ...

The instruments or the working conditions?

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but I'm giving more serious consideration to the John Packer Sousas. My hesitation is of course it's 1/3 the price, so how can it be good? If anyone has anything to add, I'd appreciate it. Thanks again!

Consensus seems to be fiberglass don't sound as good as brass. We currently have fiberglass body with silver bells. Is that worth considering for the price and weight considerations or is the sound inferior enough that I should only consider brass? Do they even sell this combo? I know the ones we ...

This wasn’t from a review but rather a Reddit discussion. I don’t trust or distrust it, just looking for feedback. If the JP are truly quality instruments then I’m going to seriously consider them. But having no knowledge of them, I just want to see if any of these claims hold any water, positive or ...

Thanks! If they do need any repairs, would any shop be able to do them? I know my local shop can be a little finicky about what they'll work on, but that's more with the Mendini's and other cheap 'instruments'.

Alternately, John Packer (JP) - an English company that sells very high-grade (equal to European-quality valve sections) instruments - offers a King-copy brass (bright silver or lacquer) sousaphone WITH a case (extremely similar to an MTS case) for only a few thousand dollars (at least, when I sell ...

Sousaswag wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:10 am Stick with used like you are.

Problem is, I can only find one used and one new demo horn that's a $2,500 off. Is that a good or bad idea?

Thanks, I'll look into the ones you sell and get back to you.

Hi everyone, I'm a high school band director and drummer by trade, so I'm looking for some advice on purchasing Sousas. I've been asked by my admin to see if we can buy used instead of new. I've found a couple brass Conn20K. Would these be a good choice, assuming they're in good condition? I know ...