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I'm considering the purchase of this 3/4 horn and am looking for any input from those who have played or owned one. I will be using it in a community band where I will in a group of 4 or 5 tubas, and then in a euphonium/tuba ensemble where I will be one of 3 or 4 playing the high tuba part. How well will this horn fit in? Any feedback on the horn itself regarding the valves, bell, lacquer, etc.

I had one for few years. It's a nice enough instrument. The valves needed a lot of cleaning, and the valve slides are pretty bad. Those are all "break-in" sort of things. The lacquer will wear quickly at contact points. It did play and sound good, just make sure you clean it often for the first couple of months. Good case, too. Mouthpiece is junk.

Do the valves need cleaning due to leftover machining debris or oil that collects dirt? I have read about the slides. Did you have the 14 or 16 inch bell? How was the sound?

ThomS wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:21 pm Do the valves need cleaning due to leftover machining debris or oil that collects dirt? I have read about the slides. Did you have the 14 or 16 inch bell? How was the sound?

I had the 16" bell, and I thought the sound was pretty good. But I'm just a trombone player, so what do I know .

Yeah, the left over stuff from mfg was not cleaned out very well, and there might have been some little burrs here and there. Go at it with snakes and brushes and a bit of Dawn dish soap. Maybe in the back yard with a hose or in a big tub full of water. Most new horns need a break in. If you're getting it used, just hope the original owner had the patience to clean the valves and slides sufficiently. Typical story with a lot of instruments, not just Chinese, though.

Probably some residue as the pistons and casings break in. Thanks for the input.

I bought a tuba directly from China (Jin Bao) a few years ago, and there was lots of black lapping(?) residue left in the valve machine.

I actually had this happen with an Eastman as well, which is a higher end Chinese make. Bought as a like-new demo instrument, black goop all in the piston ports.

Speaking as a Mack Brass Artiste I do like it.

I think they all have 16” bells now as does mine.

It’s not as nice as my Accent/B&S but it’s good enough!