Page 1 of 1
Jupiter 590 University Sousaphone
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:23 am
by AndyL
chops80 wrote:I was wondering how easy it is to find 4 valve sousas on the market these days
About as easy as picking up your telephone and calling Woodwind/Brasswind.
Jupiter makes a 0.736 bore, 4-valve sousaphone, called their "University" model. It's available in lacquer (Model 590L) or silverplate (Model 590S).
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:44 am
by Lew
Without buying new, these are out there, but not that easy to find. Keep checking online sites and music stores, 4 valve BBb sousaphones show up periodically. I bet that there are a number of these in school districts in the back of a band room closet, unused because they need work or are too heavy for marching, so you might check with some of the older schools/colleges in your area.
I bought my 40K for about $1400 on eBay within the past year. They show up there periodically. More 4 valve Eb sousaphone appear to have been made, or at least I see more Eb's with 4 valves than BBbs. Even so, those are also rare these days. Unfortunately I have yet to find a 4 valve Eb sousaphone that plays well for me. I have a Conn 28K and 4 valve King raincatcher, both of which are just mediocre players. OTOH, the 40K is a great sounding and playing horn.