Sousaphone Tuning Bits

[Paul Scott]

I think the weakest part (sonically speaking) of any sousaphone is the leadpipe/bit system typically used. Martin Wilk built several upper lead pipes that are very closely fitted, based on the old Martin Band Instrument models. He has done this for both my King and Conn sousas, (an example of the King is pictured below). There is quite an improvement in response with this setup, (plus the bits don't move around while you're playing).

[Dan Schultz]

Tuning bits serve to make the leadpipe of a sousaphone universal. I've bent custom leadpipes for a couple of sousaphones and eliminated the bits altogether. I once owned a Martin 'Mammoth' sousa and elimination of the bits in favor of a single pipe made a World of difference in the response and intonation of the horn.

[eupher61]

Hi all,

I'm curious, is there a difference between having one or two tuning bits on a regular BBb sousaphone, in terms of the sound?

Emphasis added.

The answer is pitch. Everything else in this thread dies nothing to answer the question.

[Heavy_Metal]

...One other thing - some sousas (I think Conn?) are built with graduated bore in the bits. Your mouthpiece will only fit correctly in the 2nd bit and the two bits are not interchangeable.

I believe you are thinking of King bits.

Correct.

[toobagrowl]

They are called tuning bits for a reason. But they are also good for ergonomic reasons. You cannot play a sousa without at least one bit. I usually need only one bit on sousas, and prefer it that way. When I use two bits, I find the sousa not quite as responsive, and not as comfortable to play. Most sousas have long main tuning slides, so you still have plenty of "pull" if using just one bit on it in the summertime.
That is especially nice to have on the Yamaha 411 sousas, as they seem to be factory-tuned to A=442.

The old Selmer Signet sousas also had similar "cylindrical" tuning bits that had those winged screws you had to tighten.