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Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:02 pm
by Frank Ortega
This is a 1931 BBb Martin Mammoth Handcraft. And yes, the bell is original. I'm curious about the leadpipe though. I don't think it's original. Did Martin only make the receivers with bits set up for recording bell tubas? Does anyone have a similar Martin Mammoth with one piece, upright bell that they can post pics of?
As you can imagine, it's an awesome instrument!
Thanks for the input,
Frank
Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:33 pm
by bort
Frank, is there any room for *people* in your house?

Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 4:01 pm
by Tom Coffey
It does look as though the tubas have all been trained to sit in chairs or on the couch...
Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 4:15 pm
by Frank Ortega
LOL Actually, I'm still looking for a roomate!
Great 3 BR , 2 Bath Apt in Garfield, NJ. $700/mo + 1/2 Util & Cable.
(The tubas have their own room and a pet door to let themselves out.)
Frank
Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 4:19 pm
by Bob Kolada
I'm not so hot on their high valve sections, but that's so cool I almost want to buy your 3 valver!

Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:52 pm
by Bob Kolada
Yeah, how'd Paul not get this horn?

Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 2:51 am
by oedipoes
tuben wrote:
Fracking sexy..... Really... Makes me want to sell a vital organ...
vital pipe-organ, yeah right...

Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 11:26 am
by iiipopes
Very, very nice, indeed! But I haven't a clue as to whether that is an original leadpipe. I do know that the single bit for a Martin is different from a Conn or King bit.
Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 11:23 am
by Paul Scott
The consensus of several Martin enthusiasts is that the leadpipe is not original. Frank may elaborate if he wishes!
Re: Info on a Martin BBb?
Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 11:19 pm
by Frank Ortega
Update:
Went to Paul's to compare this one to his 1940 Martin. Some interesting differences.
He took this pic for me;
The angle of the 4th valve is slightly different and his 3rd valve slide is shorter. Also, mine is missing a brace.
The leadpipe is probably a Conn leadpipe, but seems to play well, so I'm not sure if it's worth it to mar the beautiful Lacquer job for authenticity. Played it in Imperial Brass tonight with very positive feedback.
Here's a comparison photo with Wes Krygsman's Nirschl 6/4 CC;
Thanks for all the input!