What can you tell me about this King?

[d_gauss]

hi, first post. cool place. just picked up this silver king sousaphone (see pic) and know next to nothing about it (or sousas in general). 24" bell. serial number 103xxx i think puts it mid 1920's? mouthpiece is 24AW, no brand name stamped on it. would this be an Eb horn? any other info/opinions appreciated. thanks in advance.

[Donn]

Yes, typically when the body doesn't form a complete loop, but instead doubles back to meet the valves like that, you're looking at an Eb. Looks good.

[d_gauss]

ok, Eb, good to know. thanks. also, should there be more pipe between the mouthpiece and the elbow there? kind of have to lean way over to get lips onto mouthpiece (again i know nada about this stuff). thanks in advance.

[Donn]

ok, Eb, good to know. thanks. also, should there be more pipe between the mouthpiece and the elbow there? kind of have to lean way over to get lips onto mouthpiece (again i know nada about this stuff). thanks in advance.

Yes, you're looking for a couple appropriately sized `bits', between the elbow and the mouthpiece.

[Lee Stofer]

Generally, BBb sousaphones require 2 bits as part of their leadpipe, but most Eb sousaphones use just one bit. Try it with one King bit, and see how it plays.

[d_gauss]

thanks for that um, "bit" of info. (groan...sorry) where would i find such a thing? (i'm a sax player, not sousa)

[The Big Ben]

thanks for that um, "bit" of info. (groan...sorry) where would i find such a thing? (i'm a sax player, not sousa)

Good to have you here. I bought a pair of these from WWBW.com. Can't remember how much they cost, though...

As for being a sax player: "The first step to recovery is to realize you have a problem."

[toobagrowl]

thanks for that um, "bit" of info. (groan...sorry) where would i find such a thing? (i'm a sax player, not sousa)

I've had good luck with Taylor Music. They have just about all sousa necks and bits.
Here ya go:
http://www.1800usaband.com/products/view/994

[d_gauss]

thanks for links. before i start putting money into this, are these considered good horns? or would i be better off just hanging it on the wall? fwiw, when i blow into it, it makes a wonderful, house-shaking fart sound that i am able to change pitch via the depressing the valves.

[Donn]

Yes, I believe you have a good one there. I have played only the full loop one, as pictured above, and I think that's the version that has the especially good reputation - but if its valves are in good shape - if you tire of trying to play it, someone here would probably be delighted to take it off your hands.

[TubadudeCA]

In my experience, old kings have always been wonderful horns! I have a King Eb Helicon which I love to death. I also have an Eb King peck horn, and two King Baritones. They are pretty consistent to me, and I've never had a reason to complain about them.

Given the shape of the horn though, you may want to pull the Pistons out and give them a good check for plating wear. The plating on my Helicon's third Valve was almost gone when I bought it, and it WILL make your low notes even more farty but less glorious

[d_gauss]

it WILL make your low notes even more farty but less glorious

ha!