Hello and Sousaphone question

[RadDad2005]

just want to say that I love this site! Stumbled across it the other day and have already picked up much valuable info and some great links! I noticed a lot of you have a list of the instruments you own/play listed. How do you do that? I'm not real saavy when it comes to a lot of this stuff.

Also, I do a little schtick where I go to elementary schools and do the U of WI Badger Tuba March routine (for those not familiar, when they aren't suspended they do a little vamp and some favorite tunes as they march around the stadium during the 3rd quarter, and no I didn't go there, but live and work in WI). For the little kids I march in from the hallway doing the vamp, then do Sponge Bob and stuff like that for them, talk a little tuba, then they follow me off to lunch or the playground just like I'm the Pied Piper (I get them a little hyped with all this, so lunch or recess needs to follow )! It's a hoot and just maybe a couple of them swell our ranks of tubadom! Anyway, I'm retiring soon, and currently use my schools sousaphone for this (those old Conn fiberglass dogs that sound like garden hoses with holes. You see, marching is a low priority, I used our funds for good concert horns). I'm a little out of touch on what is out there in the sousaphone world, so figured this was the place for help. Brass is best I'm sure. Suggestions?
Thanks RadDad2005

[imperialbari]

Your instrument list can be put in your signature via the user control panel.

Today’s sousaphone optimally has to be yesterday’s as the new ones do not come in a wide palette of quality offers.

If you can carry them the 4 piston ones offer the best sound and range. My personal take for BBb is the Conn 40K (displayed in a recent thread with photos). In Eb I have the Conn 28K. These are the ones I know, but there are other options if you search with patience. If you take a 3-valver, make sure that the 1 valve loop has a slide at the top for easy adjustments of pitch.

Klaus Smedegaard Bjerre
Retired music teacher

[bisontuba]

Hi-
A friend of mine, Jim Pace, is selling his super very early BBb Conn silver plated 3 valve 'naked lady' sousaphone--everything works fine and it is an excellent player and is in fine condition--no case. He wants $750 plus shipping for it---contact hime directly for more info, pics, etc. at: ebenezerny@aol.com" target="_blank

Regards-
mark
jonestuba@Juno.com" target="_blank

[CTAYLOR]

If you're looking for a good fiberglass sousaphone, get a Conn 22K from the 70's (large bore, 3 short action off set valves). It is a fiberglass version of a Conn 20K. Or an older model Conn 36K which are always found on ebay for cheap (NOT THE NEW 36K!!). If you're looking for a metal horn, a Conn 14K, Conn 20K, or 38K(older model 20K before short action valves) would be the best bet. There is a good looking 14K on ebay right now. Not saying that older Holtons, Kings, and Reynolds sousas are bad horns. I, and a lot of folks just prefer Conn over pretty much anything. Good luck

[TUbajohn20J]

Pretty much what CTAYLOR said.. Now, i just love posting pictures of tubas so here you go..Here are your best bets

[RadDad2005]

thanks for all the info. As time allows I'll start messing with this a bit!

[Donn]

And honestly in any marching band gig you don't really need 4 valves, its great to have that fourth valve, but the added weight just isn't worth the trouble.

I think I would agree - even though I have a 4 valver for sale, three valves is adequate for brass instruments. Of course, all-brass may not be worth the added weight over fiberglass, either.

I suspect that the sousaphone's persistent reputation as an instrument of indifferent quality is due in large part to leadpipe problems. It seems like just the worst place to put a lot of joints and kinks. One of you elite tinkerers out there might try a one piece solid leadpipe sometime - same length as gooseneck + bits, with tenon like the gooseneck's on the tuba end and mouthpiece receiver on the other end.