<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.jpmusicalinstruments.com/pr ... cker-jp232">https://www.jpmusicalinstruments.com/prod/john-packer-jp232</LINK_TEXT>

Anyone play one of these? I am wondering if it is a good step up from the Mack Brass or other stencils in the $1,000 range. I have a JP 274 euphonium and a 131 alto and have been very pleased with both. I am friends with a guy at a local dealer who has offered me a pretty good price.

Thanks for any input.

Yes, definitely much better than any of the Jinbao clones.

It is possible that the horn has been "discovered" because they are not that easy to find anymore and they are significantly higher priced than $1000. I am seeing prices, when they are in stock ranging from $1750-$1900. I've never played one, but I do have a JP/Rath tenor (the 3320 model), that is a great player and very well built, with exemplary fit and finish. I've played on it regularly since 2017 and the finish is still showroom condition. Not even an acid bleed. It has a Conn style narrow slide and has a compact sound, being especially facile in the upper register.

I would expect the 232 bass to be similarly well constructed and a good player. I don't know which company in China produces them, but I do believe that the manufacturing quality expectations are much higher than the typical stencil horns. I also know that John Packer refines the instruments in the UK before they import them to the US. If you find one and are able to purchase it please let us know what your experience is.