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Does anyone have experience in making your own Tuba or other instrument racks? Specifically, tuba and cello.

I would like to make some and save a buck since purchasing these would be VERY expensive.

Anyone have any plans they could share or know what resources I could use?

bloke wrote:three words:

- band parents

- plywood

5 words - You didn't answer my question.

Nor were you helpful in any way. Wow...I never thought of using plywood! Or asking my parents?!

Sheesh.

I once built a great shelf out of 3/4" plywood, 1 1/4" dowels, and 1/4" dowels. Mind you, I have NO (ZERO) woodworking skills, and I managed to make something really workable. It held 6 tubas easily, and was disassemblable (is that a word?). If this might work for you, email me offline (ttuba@comcast.net" target="_blank) and I'll tell you how I did it.

But, I concur with the Bloke, who suggested band parents. I have seen some unbelievable work done by parent volunteers. Maybe one of your parents owns a cabinet making shop. It doesn't hurt to ask around. Good luck!!

Perhaps you know this:

Wenger makes both a cello rack and a tuba/sousaphone rack. Could you not copy their design?

They have nice, clear photos of both in their catalogs.

Thanks everyone for the input. Hopefully I'll have some time soon to look heavily into this. It's probably a summer project.

As I don't know specifically if this might be of help, but I'm sure it won't be too much of a nuisance.

When I was in school, our instruments where stored on a generic shelving unit in their cases.

Here is a plan that could be adapted to fit your needs. (If you are indeed looking for a shelving unit to store instruments in their cases)

http://woodgears.ca/storage/shelving.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

(This plan would only need a bit of tweaking, in terms of the length, the width, the height but that shouldn't be too hard to figure out. While others have suggested plywood, construction lumber is usually considerably cheaper and strong enough.)

Plywood works great, you don't need the highest quality stuff but a good mid to top grade works the best. For every 4x8 piece cut in fourths you get 1 box. Cut 4 quarters total, then cut one of those into (2) 2x2 pieces (bottom and top of box). Pre-drill all the holes and secure with screws and wood glue. Makes for a great studio project!

I own a Sherrard rack for 2 double basses. They are made of hardwood by Amish carpenters in Indiana. The holes for the screws are only partially pre-drilled - you need a power driver or very strong hands to screw the stand together. It does feel a bit more "wobbly" than I would like if I had to move it much, but that's not an issue for me. The casters are adequate and move freely. You do have to be careful when placing the bass on the rack as there is only about 1.5" clearance between the top of one bridge and the back plate of my second bass. The price has gone up since I bought mine a few years back.

Keeping your tuba then?

Bob Kolada wrote:Keeping your tuba then?

Yup. all of them actually, even the old Conn Eb on semi-permanent loan to a friend in Rockford.

No, Brooke.

Bob Kolada wrote:No, Brooke.

Unfortunately, the tuba is already sold. This is for my school.

BUT, upon purchase of some tubas at school I'll be playing a ton in no-time anyway.