Which Finish for the Schiller Elite IV?

[Russell_B]

Hi, I am purchasing a Schiller Elite IV as a second horn and I am not sure which finish I like more/which one I should get. I do not mind the price difference! Any thoughts?
Lacquer Finish
Silver and Gold Finish

[davewerden]

It's really up to you. We've discussed the difference in finish many times on the forum (not about Schiller specifically). Generally, a lacquer horn may have a slightly warmer sound, but it is a very subtle difference at best.

Lacquer is easy to care for - just wipe it with a damp cloth. Silver will require polishing now and then, and if gold plating is used (vs. lacquered trim pieces), you need to be careful with that thinner and more delicate finish (i.e. don't polish it with silver polish; keep it wiped off after each practice session).

Personally, I would say buy that one that you like the looks of.

[ghmerrill]

Also, how much do you enjoy maintaining a silver instrument?

[LargoBone]

Like Dave said, it's entirely up to you and what you think looks best. Personally, I like silver w/gold trim myself and don't mind pulling out the polish cloth every couple of weeks. I have seen the Schiller Elite up close (silver w/gold trim) and can confirm that it is lacquer trim (not gold plate) but the horn still looks fantastic.

[Russell_B]

Hi,
I have never had a silver instrument before, this was supposed to be mainly for home use, and some ensemble.

[Russell_B]

Hi,
I have never had a silver instrument before, this was supposed to be mainly for home use, and some ensemble.

Also, how much do you enjoy maintaining a silver instrument?

Is a silver instrument more prone to dirt?

[adrian_quince]

Silver is prone to tarnishing and does require some attention and upkeep. I really like the look of silver-plated instruments, but if I were getting a second horn I'd make that lacquer, especially if it wasn't leaving home much.

[davewerden]

FWIW, here is the lacquer version from a USA distributor for a lot less than the price listed in the link you sent:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schiller-Eli...-/302136785488

Priced at $885 (or you can offer a lower amount)

And here is the silver/gold version ($1,385, with a make-offer button as well):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schiller-Cus...-/282243522457

[Asianeuph]

I've never purchased from the eBay seller that you posted, but I've read some bad reviews about this music company. Google "Jim Laabs Music".

Notice that the ebay links posted by Russell and Dave are sold by the same seller, the exact same product, but with different prices.

If you are willing to spend about $1200 on a Schiller (Chinese made), you might want to look into Mack Brass or Wessex Tubas (both Chinese made). They are both dependable companies known to have good service and back their customers, I'm sure a few members of the forum can testify.

If you are interested, I have an old Besson New Standard 4v comp silver that would make a good second horn.

BBB reviews
https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/busine...and-complaints

Yelp reviews
https://www.yelp.com/biz/jim-laabs-m...-stevens-point

[Russell_B]

What is the difference between the Schiller Elite (the $885) and the Schiller IV ($1385)?

[Russell_B]

I've never purchased from the eBay seller that you posted, but I've read some bad reviews about this music company. Google "Jim Laabs Music".

Notice that the ebay links posted by Russell and Dave are sold by the same seller, the exact same product, but with different prices.

If you are willing to spend about $1200 on a Schiller (Chinese made), you might want to look into Mack Brass or Wessex Tubas (both Chinese made). They are both dependable companies known to have good service and back their customers, I'm sure a few members of the forum can testify.

If you are interested, I have an old Besson New Standard 4v comp silver that would make a good second horn.

BBB reviews
https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/busine...and-complaints

Yelp reviews
https://www.yelp.com/biz/jim-laabs-m...-stevens-point

I sent you a message about your old Besson.