For the record, I'm not optimistic about this situation. That was someone else. Yes, Chinese manufacturers may soon turn out acceptable school horns, but some will also turn out counterfeit name-brand horns, much as they do with other items. A seller on eBay will list what looks like an older 8D, complete with a legitimate serial number and Conn engravings, as well as some simulated wear. A well-intentioned buyer knowing not to buy a "Selman" or other well-known crap horn will buy this thinking it's an Elkhart 8D. Heck, even the forged serial number checks out. The buyer gets the horn and it plays sort of OK, and many will be none the wiser until it's time to get a repair done and it's nothing more than a high end Selman, Schmort, Corn, Alexnerdan, Yummyhan or what have you. Chinese counterfeiters know no bounds when it comes to screwing people.
John Baumgart -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tom Warner Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008 3:40 AM To: The Horn List Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Chinese instruments On 1 May 2008, at 11:20 pm, John Baumgart wrote: > Speaking of Chinese made horns, Kit wrote: "A couple of years in the > future > when the manufacturers learn what they're doing, these instruments > may start > to become quite acceptable." > > I agree. I'm one who's actually optimistic about the future of Chinese > instruments. It's already happening with other brass instruments. Importers are demanding a high level of quality and instruments based on proven designs. One brand is advertising that they've had their lead pipes designed by a well known and respected custom instrument maker. The prices are rising with the quality but I've been told that it's still possible to get, for example, a trumpet that's _very_ similar to a Yamaha Xeno for approximately half the price. In the Brass Band world, Virtuosi in England are selling what to all intents and purposes are professional quality instruments at student prices. It's a growing area and there's no reason it can't happen with horns. I'd almost be willing to bet that right now, somewhere out there there is a very well built and good playing Han 8D or 103. All the best, Tom _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/john.baumgart%40comcast.net _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
