I sell one model of Chinese tuba that I wouldn't mind owning, but the 32" tall Holton B-flat that I "built" does just as well and suits the same purpose.
Had I play-tested that model (prior to sticking the Holton together) I probably would've have just bought myself a demo or scratch-'n'-dent one of those.
https://jpmusicalinstruments.com/produc ... ng-bb-tuba
https://i.imgur.com/2MgkPkU.png
Tariffs - what's the skinny on Chinese built tubas?
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bloke
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Re: Tariffs - what's the skinny on Chinese built tubas?
Joe, that model looks like a Bb Piggy? Am I right?bloke wrote: Thu May 15, 2025 9:32 pm I sell one model of Chinese tuba that I wouldn't mind owning, but the 32" tall Holton B-flat that I "built" does just as well and suits the same purpose.
Had I play-tested that model (prior to sticking the Holton together) I probably would've have just bought myself a demo or scratch-'n'-dent one of those.
https://jpmusicalinstruments.com/produc ... ng-bb-tuba
https://i.imgur.com/2MgkPkU.png
I have wondered for a long time, what is the difference between JP “Sterling” and JP regular?
One other observation- comes with a “lightweight” case (their words). Specs- weight without case 19 pounds, weight with case 42 pounds? 23 pound case is “lightweight”?
King 2341 “new style”
Kanstul 902-3B
Conn Helleberg Standard 120
Kanstul 902-3B
Conn Helleberg Standard 120
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bloke
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Re: Tariffs - what's the skinny on Chinese built tubas?
It has a smaller bell throat than a pig.
The sound is less gruff, more refined, yet still full.
Actually, it's a complete model of the Czech Arion model, but - having played both - somehow the Chinese version seems better. I certainly like the B&S style linkage better than the Czech style.
more on the bell...
It's probably about the size of the bell on those four quarter Eastman C things, except without the 19-in pancake, as it only flares out to about 15 inches.
Yeah, their cases are not light. They are strong......similar to those current vintage Jupiter cases that last several years in schools, even though they get thrown against concrete walls, used to push open heavy steel doors, and such.
In comparison though, the huge Miraphone model 98 with its Jakob Winter case - which is not quite as rigid - weighs around 70 lbs.
The Holton instrument that I built for myself weighs 24 lbs., because it has a fourth valve, a fifth valve and two sheet metal bow caps. A friend of mine - who has warehoused a whole bunch of old new stock musical equipment, - found me a decades-old new MTS case that Mrs bloke was able to reblock for my Holton. It fits like a glove and it's only 36 inches long, but that tuba in that case way probably 45 lbs. No, I'm not going to carry my tubas around in sacks anymore.
I've had a messed up thigh and knee that are finally healing, but - were it that they never healed - I would come up with some way of transporting my instruments in hard cases anyway. Actually, I've been pulling up to stage doors, carrying them in, and then going off to park. It seems like a good idea, and works out well for me. I sort of wonder why more others don't do the same. Now that civilization is on the wane, it's also considerably safer to not be carrying great big bulky things a half a block from one's car to a venue.
The sound is less gruff, more refined, yet still full.
Actually, it's a complete model of the Czech Arion model, but - having played both - somehow the Chinese version seems better. I certainly like the B&S style linkage better than the Czech style.
more on the bell...
It's probably about the size of the bell on those four quarter Eastman C things, except without the 19-in pancake, as it only flares out to about 15 inches.
Yeah, their cases are not light. They are strong......similar to those current vintage Jupiter cases that last several years in schools, even though they get thrown against concrete walls, used to push open heavy steel doors, and such.
In comparison though, the huge Miraphone model 98 with its Jakob Winter case - which is not quite as rigid - weighs around 70 lbs.
The Holton instrument that I built for myself weighs 24 lbs., because it has a fourth valve, a fifth valve and two sheet metal bow caps. A friend of mine - who has warehoused a whole bunch of old new stock musical equipment, - found me a decades-old new MTS case that Mrs bloke was able to reblock for my Holton. It fits like a glove and it's only 36 inches long, but that tuba in that case way probably 45 lbs. No, I'm not going to carry my tubas around in sacks anymore.
I've had a messed up thigh and knee that are finally healing, but - were it that they never healed - I would come up with some way of transporting my instruments in hard cases anyway. Actually, I've been pulling up to stage doors, carrying them in, and then going off to park. It seems like a good idea, and works out well for me. I sort of wonder why more others don't do the same. Now that civilization is on the wane, it's also considerably safer to not be carrying great big bulky things a half a block from one's car to a venue.