John Packer JP138 Bb/C

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multiphonic
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John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by multiphonic »

Hi,

For a variety of reasons, my favorite trombone of all-time is the Yamaha YSL-350C Bb/C. I mistakenly sold the one I had, so I'm in the market for a new/used one, but wanted to see if anyone had any direct experience with the JP138Bb/C. It's also dual bore. I'm interested in perspectives re: build quality, intonation etc. vs. the Yamaha.

https://www.jpmusicalinstruments.com/pr ... cker-jp138

Thanks!

multiphonic
(new to Trombone Chat; former TTF member)
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Neo Bri
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by Neo Bri »

Welcome, multiphonic! Good to see you.

I always thought that was a neat design.
multiphonic
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by multiphonic »

Thanks for the welcome, Neo Bri!
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brtnats
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by brtnats »

I’ve never played one, but I’d LOVE to hear what you have to say. I’ve been eyeballing them for years.
multiphonic
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by multiphonic »

Thomann also sells one:

https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_tf ... ombone.htm

although I don't know the source(s) of their in-house brand instruments. I have a Thomann Eb calvary (natural) trumpet that's quite nice.

Schiller (Jin Bao?) sells a Bb/C as well.

Just an FYI.

I'm leaning toward a Yamaha unless I can find good reviews of the Packer.
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Finetales
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by Finetales »

I would imagine that the Packer, Thomann, and Schiller all come from the same Chinese factory. If it's as good of a clone as the Slokar alto, it might be worth the gamble. But I don't think anyone here owns one...or at least, nobody has admitted to it!
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by Mikebmiller »

How exactly does the valve work on that horn? How does one play a low E or B?
multiphonic
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by multiphonic »

Mikebmiller wrote: Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:37 am How exactly does the valve work on that horn? How does one play a low E or B?
The valve is ascending, so trigger activation 'removes' the extra section of tubing. Second position plus trigger for low B. No low E.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't recall whether or not my Yamaha had an actual 6th position for low F. :frown:
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Re: John Packer JP138 Bb/C

Post by noordinaryjoe »

I'd love a 'travel' horn that fits in the overhead bin. (when we start traveling again)
Doug Yeo speaks well of the Yamaha YSL-350c, but it's pricey and hard to find stateside. (3/4 down on this page)
http://www.yeodoug.com/articles/trombon ... llery.html

Anyone have experience with either of these Schillers?
https://www.jimlaabsmusicstore.com/stor ... rass-bell/
https://www.jimlaabsmusicstore.com/stor ... -trombone/

Thanks!
-Joe
Yamaha YBL-612R II
YSL-651
Schiller Heritage Bb/C (YSL-350C clone)
Pirate
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