Martin S/N

[PaulSchmidt]

Hello all

I was recently given an old Martin tuba. 3 upright piston valves, detachable recording bell, detachable mouthpipe/leadpipe.

The serial number on the 2nd valve appears to be 199288, although while the first five digits are easy to read, the sixth digit is very hard to make out; all I can make out clearly is that there is a bottom loop and part of a top loop that is curved on the left side, so it does not look to be a number 5, but it could be a number 6...still my best guess is it is an 8.

The bell is pretty badly crumpled, but it has a fair amount of engraving. The only part that I can make out clearly is that it says "Martin" and "Elkhart". The lacquer is in bad shape so there is spotty corrosion that makes the engraving hard to read.

I am not absolutely sure of the key, but I 'think' is is a BBb. Can't play it now to test it. It seems too big for an Eb. I don't know if Martin made CC tubas.....

I plan to have some light work done on it, just to get the bell rolled out, the valves cleaned up, the slides freed up, and a new leadpipe section made or the entire leadpipe replaced with a single piece type. If it was 4 valve, I might contemplate having more done to it, but right now I just want to make it playable.

Based on online serial number charts, it seems that the 1955/1956 year range serial numbers are the closest match to what I have. But I am interested in learning more about the various models, and whether what I have might be a good enough instrument to have somebody add a 4th valve. I already have a fully overhauled Conn 24J/25J, so I don't really need another big old recording tuba, but......

[Paul Scott]

1956 is probably right and it sounds like a typical BBb. Photos would help. Some catalogues list this as a TB-03. Not the best era for Martins unfortunately, but still better than many horns. I would keep the leadpipe as is unless it's completely trashed because the adjustable setup works really well if it's original. Check the valve stem length because they were often a little too short on the Martins.

[PaulSchmidt]

All of the tubing seems to be in good condition, including the tube from the valves up to the bell, where it terminates in a slotted end with a thumbscrew clamp (also intact). But the actual leadpipe beyond that and up to the mouthpiece receiver is missing.

Unless there is a source for those detachable leadpipes, I imagine that a repairman will find it easier to replace the entire leadpipe than to try and fabricate something for just that short end piece......maybe not......

I'll see if I can figure out how to do photos here.

[PaulSchmidt]

Here are a few photos of the Martin:





so from the double loop in the 3rd valve tubing, this is apparently a BBb model.....

[eupher61]

A beauty. Seriously. Should be well worth restoring what you've talked about.

[Paul Scott]

It appears that all you need are the "bits" to complete the leadpipe. Martin Wilk can provide a set that is better than the original.

[PaulSchmidt]

Martin Wilk is now the owner of this tuba. I think he plans to create some kind of hybrid from it....?