Posted by Daryl Hickman on July 27, 2000 at 15:45:12:
In Reply to: Monopoly or not?? posted by David F. on July 27, 2000 at 14:26:54:
Actually, Bach tubas and euphoniums have been made by Yamaha for the last couple of years. Who knows if that will change now. As far as a monopoly, we should remember that UMI is the conglomeration of Conn, King and Benge as well as other individual makers. Has this had an effect on the individuals companies? Most would argue yes. As for your question about small tuba manufacturers, the demand for tubas and the time required to make them would lead to a very impractical business. Guys like Dave Monette and Joe Marcinkiewicz can make money as custom trumpet manufacturers based on the higher demand for trumpets than tubas. I have often dreamed of what it would be like to take the best craftsmen from the old days of C.G. Conn and King and manufacture tubas only. Since most of those guys are deceased or at least very old, I guess I'll never see that happen. There are a lot of very good production line tubas out there, so pick the best and practice a lot.