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Folks

Well I'm pretty tickled, today I picked up an old Cousenon upright tuba for a good price.

I know Couseonons might not be fantastic but this baby is solid and well built!

I'm not sure if it would be considered a 3/4 or full size, its 36" high, the bell is a little over 15.5", and the bore a 2nd valve slide is .650

I only have one mouthpiece to my name right now and its pretty crappy, an old 24AW which of course is not an awesome mouthpiece.

Given the size and bore of this instrument what might be a good place to start? I'm looking for something basic and affordable, maybe just a used Bach or something. I don't know where to start, any ideas?

thanks so much!

Mark E. Kaylor

It is tough to go wrong with a Conn Helleberg, and they are generally available cheaply, especially used.
I just bought a Cuesnon euphonium. Solid, fun little horn for not a lot of money. Enjoy!

Well I've been able to play a bit with the 24AW and its not TOO bad.....!!

I am quite impressed with this instrument, honestly most of my playing has come with an old old Besson Eb sousa and I've only blown other tubas occasionally. But the dang thing blows well, and it seems very solidly made.

The pedals don't quite pop out but I think thats more of an issue of my lips and the mpc. Ideally I'd like to be able to utilize the basement notes, I love that stuff!

I'm keeping my eyes peeled on Ebay for something usable, if anyone has any decent mpcs hit me up, I'd buy one!

mark

If the receiver will accept a standard "American" shank, which some of these don't, either due to diameter or taper, then a standard Conn Helleberg 120S, or a reasonable facsimile, is a good place to start. All of these small bore Bb horns, including the modern versions of the Conn 5J and King 1140, benefit from the deeper cup to help get some real tone out of the horn.