Description
The JP378 Sterling BBb Tuba is JP’s flagship BBb compensating tuba. Developed alongside Paul Riggett of Sterling Musical Instruments, the JP378 Sterling has been built to the highest standard of manufacture and performs to a higher level than previously thought possible in this price range; happily competing against many more expensive tubas. The JP378 Sterling BBb Tuba has been greatly praised by many notable players including Ewan Easton (Tuba, The Halle), Gordon Eddison and many others.
The JP378 Sterling BBb Tuba comes supplied with a Dennis Wick mouthpiece and hard moulded plastic case with wheels. These impact tested hard cases ensure your precious instrument is kept safe whilst providing ease of mobility with hard wheels and an ergonomically placed handle.
- Gordon Eddison – Ex Imps, Hammonds, YBS, and Carlton Main
“It was a rare pleasure to meet up with a new BBb on the market. Especially one that blew so well straight away. The new JP378 Sterling in lacquer came straight out of the wrapper and felt right, the fourth valve was sensibly placed and 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 used straight through piping where possible. It looked well made with a decent finish. So far, so good then. It got better when 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 pleased that the stays and construction were beefed up, apparently taking account of having a hard life in front of it. It came in a robust, wheeled hard case, which had decent sized wheels and had good fittings inside (including a music compartment). Only criticism were the rather strong valve springs fitted to this one. The valves didn’t look as though they needed them this strong, sure they will wear in but I would try weaker ones. Would I like one? Yes. Would I swap a Sovereign for one? Probably yes, especially considering this would cost me nearly a new euphonium short of the Sovereign. It seems another collaboration with quality instrument makers Sterling has produced the goods. I would happily take one anywhere and would expect it to match well with any other bass out there.” - Ewan Easton – Tuba – Halle Orchestra
“Rolls-Royce valves” was the immediate comment. “This will take one heck of a player to find its limits.” Ewan’s house seemed to rattle as he took the instrument through its paces, finding extremes of range at the bottom that I could not comprehend. “What a sound!” “This instrument also looks wonderful. The finish is excellent and it appears very robust. The well-fitting slides suggest good engineering. The value for money is simply unbeatable.” - Wilfred Driscoll – Tuba – Freelance musician with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and London Sym
“Packer’s most recent addition to their range is the JP378 BBb bass. I was astonished by how good this instrument is! The British brass band style BBb bass has always been an unwieldy beast: every instrument seems to have different characteristics, it is usually very hard work to achieve a good round sound, and, personally, I feel very tired after playing one even for a short time. This instrument is totally different. All the handholds are in just the right place, the fourth valve is within easy reach, as is as the leadpipe, and there are no worries about it falling off the chair. I felt that I could play this instrument all day. It produces a fantastic sound with a good solid core and it is in tune all the way up the scale. It is very clear to see that the John Packer makers, along with Paul Riggett of Sterling musical instruments, have spent a great deal of time dealing with the traditional problems of these instruments and have come up with fantastic solutions. Anyone looking to buy a bass should take a serious look at this range as the quality and price are very hard to beat.”
