John Packer’s Grenville Moore recently met up with professional tuba player Ewan Easton from the Halle Orchestra review the John Packer range of tubas.
JP077 mini Eb Tuba:
Ewan’s review started with the JP077 mini Eb Tuba - the John Packer entry level instrument, designed very much with the young player in mind.
“The instrument feels solid and should last,” he observed. “And crucially, it’s not too heavy.”
With a list price of £583 (ex VAT) the JP077 Ewan also felt that it was also pleasingly responsive at the extreme dynamic levels too.
As he added: “This is a superb introduction to the tuba family and fantastic value for money.”
JP078 mini BBb Tuba:
His response to the mini BBb was also just as complimentary, especially with the excellent playing response.
“What effective intonation for an entry level tuba,” he said, whilst singling out for particular praise the excellent valves (‘light and effective’) and excellent design characteristics, which he felt made such a difference.
“Everything works well on this instrument.
The valves are precise, the slides fit well, there is excellent protection for vulnerable areas of pipework and the instrument is robust without being heavy.”
In addition Ewan was pleased to see the instrument come with a case - ‘the sort that a young person would find cool.’
“I’m really impressed with this instrument and the value for money is outstanding.”
The JP078 is available for £784 (Ex Vat)
JP277 EEb Tuba:
The first level of full sized compensating instruments really caught Ewan’s attention.
“This is a staggering tuba for the money,” he said. “The full orchestral range is easily available on this instrument and the timbre throughout matches very well.”
The instrument is an updated version of the critically acclaimed JP277 and Ewan was full of praise for the new developments.
“The right hand position is now much better with a much smaller reach, the new valves are efficient and much quieter in operation.
I thought the finish was good on the older model but this is beautiful.”
As he concluded: “This tuba will see any player to Grade 8. I would have loved to have one as a student.”
The JP277 EEb Tuba is available at £1961 (Ex VAT)
JP377 Sterling EEb Tuba:
The greatest praise of the day was reserved for the JP377 Sterling EEb Tuba.
“99% of players could not out perform this instrument,” Ewan said, praising the build quality, high quality valves with their excellent hand position, the instrument’s responsiveness, and its immense pedal range.
“Everything works on this instrument. It has a full range with a singing quality.
The notes are easy to centre, it’s easy to play. The effective compensating system aids excellent tuning.”
Grenville added that it was great for John Packer to be able to get their tuba range given an extensive review process by such a world class performer.
“Listening to Ewan take the instruments through many of his favourite orchestral passages was a rare pleasure.
There was a double thrill of having a private recital coupled with the fact that he was playing on an instrument that your company had produced and of which you were very proud.”
Grenville was even more pleased with Ewan’s reaction to the price. “I’m flabbergasted to hear its available at £3,392 (Ex VAT). That’s incredible value.”
JP378 Sterling BBb Tuba:
That left the JP378 Sterling BBb.
“Rolls-Royce valves” was Ewan’s immediate comment.
“This will take one hell of a player to find its limits.”
The room seemed to rattle as Ewan took the instrument through its paces, especially finding the limits to the dynamics range.
“What a sound!” he declared. “This instrument also looks wonderful. The finish is excellent and it appears very robust.
The well-fitting slides suggest good engineering and thee value for money is simply unbeatable.”
More information:
All of the tubas are available from the John Packer website at : http://www.johnpacker.co.uk.
For more specialist queries or to try one out today call the John Packer Ltd team on 01823 282386 or email them at: sales@johnpacker.co.uk.
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