J-700 Demo Trip

On my September trip I stopped at the Buffalo Philharmonic hall where Don Harry, the principal tubist and also tuba prof at the Eastman School of Music tried the new production run J-700LQ on stage. Also there were tubists T.J. Ricer and Mark Jones. All where impressed with the new tuba, both the sound, construction and features. Considering the playability and price Don said, "This may be the end of the road for all other BBb tubas." Don likes to play the right instrument for the music and likes a BBb tuba for many Russian pieces. This was something he learned from his teacher, the great Bill Bell.
All three players appreciated the cupro-nickel mouthpipe and the MTS case as well as the intonation and "sweet" sound.
Then it was on to Capital University in Columbus, OH. Tony Zilincik, tuba prof, echoed Don's praise of the J-700.

The new J-700 tubas have arrived. We have silver and lacquer in stock.
They are everything I hoped for and a bag of chips.
The next challenge is getting them out to players and dealers to verify my claims.
Here's a shot of Kevin Stiles, our brass tech, testing one from the first production run. (Prices noted in earlier posting.)
New adjustable thumb ring.

Dual-Use Trombone

Hey Dick,

I took the H-88OLQ thru it's paces yesterday and today, and I think it is the last trombone I will ever want! It has such a beautiful sound, smooth and light slide, and blows like a straight-no trigger horn. Last night I had a dance band gig at the country club that I have done in the past, and as I was getting ready to go I remembered that the band stands really block me in where I can barely reach 6th position on my small jazz horn without hitting the plywood wall of the stand. So, it occurred to me, why not take the 88O and use the small pipe? I can get the jazz sound I need, and never have to go past 5th position! Well let me tell you, not only did it respond better then the little jazz horn I had been using for this gig, but it sounded sweeter. The trumpet player next to me even remarked "Man- that is a sweet sounding trombone!". I will use it playing at the club from now on!

This morning I had a brass quintet rehearsal, and so I brought the 880 and put the big pipe in. Again, lot's of compliments and a great response from the horn. Register shifts were easier than the last rehearsal with this group (when I love this horn.

Thanks a bunch. I will be showing it off A LOT.

Dr. Jeffrey S. Cottrell
School of Music and Fine Arts
Hardin Simmons University Abilene, Texas