TubeNet

Hello All,
I thought I'd post a few pics of the 30 inch Martin recording bell. These images have not been "photo-shopped"-they are the real deal. Apparently Martin offered these big bells with their tubas on request into the 1930s. This bell came from a 1935 top-action Martin in my collection while the tuba in the photos is a 1940 model.

How does it sound? Not radically different from a standard 24 inch Martin recording bell, although I've always felt that the 30 inch bell lowered the overall pitch somewhat. Not that I've used it very often since it's a bear to balance, (although the attention it gets makes it almost worth it)!

I seem to have an "American Gothic" expression in the first photo. The second shot shows the "preferred conductor's view", (the bell could come in handy at that!).

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Comically large bell aside, I'd bet that's a FANTASTIC big tuba.

I feel silly... Am I the only one who can't find a link to these astounding pics?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ds8b8aBEbE

something similar?

If you read "Bands of America" , which was discussed here not long ago, you will find that there is some mention of a time when the Sousa, Goldman, and Pryor bands were having a regular contest to see which had the biggest bells on tubas. A few makers produced one offs for this rivalry.

If the entire horn was one complete unit, you might have something with a fair bit of "history" to it, such as having been Bill Bell's or such.

It looks pretty ridiculous, but nevertheless spectacular workmanship...

Wim

Collecting dents could be a major concern.

The 30 inch Martin bells, while rare, were available on request when ordering a tuba. Mine came with an otherwise ordinary 3-valve top-action BBb Martin, (I know this because the serial number appears on both the bell and the body of the tuba). There are other ones out there. I have a 1929 Buescher catalogue that offers bells made up to 33 inches (!!) for their sousaphones.

Kiltie: I live in Northern New Jersey, about 30 minutes from NYC. Email me if you're ever in the area-you're welcome to try it out!

Paul, you look better in the second picture - -

Best regards,

Bob

PS - I have played that tuba, and it kicks *** - - - (in a good way, of course)

Toobist wrote:I feel silly... Am I the only one who can't find a link to these astounding pics?

Right-click on the image and select 'properties' from the flyout menu. In the case of the first image... it's...
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj11 ... hbell1.jpg" target="_blank

Bob Sacchi wrote:

"Paul, you look better in the second picture - - "

I certainly resemble that remark! You'd look like that too if you had to lift that thing!

All the Best to you, Bob!