The highly respected tuba player and conductor Gordon Eddison has had his hands on the new JP378 Sterling BBb Tuba – and has certainly been impressed.

Test drive

This what the ex Yorkshire Imps, Hammonds, YBS, and Carlton Main Frickley player thought...

"It was a rare pleasure to test out an exciting new BBb that has come into a highly competitive market place — especially one that blew so well straight away.

The new JP378 Sterling in lacquer came straight out of the wrapper and felt right, with the fourth valve sensibly placed, whilst the playing position didn't tug at my dodgy back either!

I was curious to see it had a tapered lead pipe that fed into a valve block that was very well laid out, and that used straight through piping where possible. It looked well made with a decent finish."

So far, so good then?

"It just got better and better – especially after I gave it a decent blow in all registers and on full volume. It didn't break up and produced one of the nicest tones I have heard for quite a while.

Played quietly, it was a really nice blow. It was in tune also – without messing with the first valve slide 'a la Sovereign'.

I was especially pleased that the stays and construction were beefed up, apparently taking account of having a hard life in front of it – it’s certainly built to last!

It comes with a robust, wheeled hard case, which has decent sized wheels and has good fittings inside (including a music compartment).

My only criticism was the rather strong valve springs fitted to this one. The valves didn't look as though they needed them this strong – so perhaps a slightly weaker set may be needed."

Would you like one?

"Yes. Would I swap a Sovereign for one though? Probably yes too — especially considering this would cost me nearly a new euphonium short of the Sovereign.

It seems that this collaboration with quality instrument makers Sterling has really produced the goods. I would happily take one anywhere and would expect it to match well with any other bass out there."

It seems that this collaboration with quality instrument makers Sterling has really produced the goodsGordon Eddison

Interested

If you are interested in finding out more about our JP378 Sterling BBb Tuba, please visit our website or email Liesje Wright at liesje@johnpacker.co.uk

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