TubeNet

Hey,
My band has an old Meinl Weston I believe to be a model 25 tuba. Probably purchased in the 70's. I havn't run the serial number or anything yet, but that is what I remember from the inventory sheet. Anyway...
It needs a leadpipe. Anyone have cheap source for one of these....new or used??? how about Bloke or tubatinker or anybody?
Will a Miraphone version fit? They look almost identical. I've spent some time soldering horns back together, so I might do this one myself if I get one, but I will not try to make my own...

Wanting to get this tuba working again, so the middle school will stop using the good high school tubas,
Blake

According to my parts sources, new leadpipes are available for both the 20 and the 25 versions of the Meinl rotary tubas. They are indeed two piece leadpipes. The branch that connects to the #1 rotor is the same for both horns. The part that connects to the receiver is different for the 20 and the 25. I think the 25 has a slightly larger bell which accounts for the different leadpipe/receiver assembly.

As Bloke mentioned in his post... I would not recommend simply ordering a part and assuming that it can be soldered onto the horn without some sort of frustration. If you have a repairman in your vicinity, he/she should be able to order the parts for you.

I also have a complete used assembly that I think came off a Meinl 20. Of course, anything I send you would be based on your knowing exactly what you need. PM me if you are interested in the used one or new parts. No, I don't know the difference between the 20 and 25 other than by seeing them side-by-side. The valve sections are the same except for some of the valve circuit wraps but the bottom bow and bell of the 25 is a bit larger than the 20.

Yes...you guys are right has usual. It is a two piece leadpipe. A homemade leather guard was covering up the union of the two pipes...
I'll take some pictures of the horn and PM you guys to see what we can dig up. A used piece would be great, as the horn itself is not that great.
many thanks,
Blake