Is it possible to covert a BBb tuba into a CC tuba

[BBruce107]

Is it possible to make a BBb tuba into a CC tuba without making it into a frankintuba or changing the tuba a lot? I have a VMI 3302 BBb that I want to make a CC tuba without altering it heavily and keep the sound quality that I can make with it.

[Minkrott]

There are a few threads on this.

A Google search on "chisham cut tuba" turns up the following info.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=64438" target="_blank

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42196" target="_blank

[Ace]

From what I have read about the 3302, it would be a shame to cut up such a nice BBb tuba.

Please heed the advice from Curmudgeon and Casca Grossa. It's good common sense and can make economic sense as well.

Ace

[PMeuph]

I bought a broken Yamaha student trumpet for about $40 before christmas. I cleaned it, disassembled (unsoldered) it and then measured and cut the parts I need to. I then re soldered it together.

Sounds simple, right?

No, not at all. When you cut tubing, not only to you have to cut it to the right length, you also have to make sure there are no burrs on the end of the tubings, you have to make sure the tubing isn't razor sharp. You then have to reassemble the horn with great precision to make sure the alignment is good. You have to make sure your soldering is clean and you have to make sure you don't add tension somewhere. Plus after cutting a horn, you might have to tweak braces or get new ferrules.

To answer your question, yes it is possible. But, is it worth it. Not if a great CC tuba already exists. I would consider building a franken horn out of an Eb or a BBb body but taking a perfectly working BBb and making a CC is stupid on many counts.

[The Big Ben]

The BBb to CC conversion made sense when there were not many good quality big CC instruments. That is not the case now so, if you want CC, buy a CC. If you want a BBb, buy a BBb.

One exception: Sam Gnagey makes approx 4/4 CC horns by cutting King 2341 BBb bodies and substituting a vintage Monster Eb bell and bottom bow. He usually adds a 5th rotor and tubing. The result sounds really good.

You might be able to make something like this yourself but, unless you have Sam's experience and his book of measurements, it will be a real experiment which may not come out well.