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Some years ago I picked up an "American Climax" Eb tuba in a junk store. Some valves were missing, but the bell and bugle were in good shape. I grafted another valve set from another junk horn onto it just becaused I happened to have the parts. Art Baron, a fine trombonist who worked with my jazz band occasionally, expressed interest in it, so I swapped it to him in exchange for a playable baritone horn. He used it for a while with banjo bands at the Yankee stadium, carrying it on the subway in a "gig bag by Hefty". A couple of days ago he called to say that he had just used it in the horn section on Bruce Springsteen's latest recording, and will be going on tour with the Boss soon!
I just read on Ebay that "American Climax" was the name stamped on some instruments imported by Lyon & Healy.
-Anbody know any more about that name?

I dunno, Art! It sounds like the kind of instrument that, when the gig is over, you fall asleep!

As with bloke's recent "make the horns work for public school" thread, I love stories like this!

Bill Troiano wrote:I dunno, Art! It sounds like the kind of instrument that, when the gig is over, you fall asleep!

-That's what Mr. Baron liked about it!

American Climax? What is this again?

I am not that young.. I remember the Climax Blues Band...

At least it wasn't American Standard. I wouldn't put my mouth on one of those!