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I recently had a Holton sousaphone fixed up so my students could use brass sousies instead of fiberglass ones. When I put two bits in it, it played WAAAY flat. It plays closest with no bits at all. Is that at all normal? I always thought every sousaphone had to be played with two bits. Any thoughts?

Thanks

After looking at your picture bloke, no, it does not have that neck nor does it have those bits. I snapped a few pictures of the horn (we're playing at a basketball game as I write this). I seem to recall seeing a neck and bits like that in my box o' bits. I'll have to look later. But yes, I did play it and the temp was probably mid 70's in our music room.

Here are the pictures:

I went and found the neck and bits, but then took a closer look at the horn, and someone had indeed replaced the receiver:



I guess this one will play without bits!

I did find the right neck and bits though right?

Mystery solved! Thanks bloke!

I guess this one will go bit-less. I am surprised that the difference in length is two bits-worth (I could get a shave and a haircut for that!).

One solution could be to have your Conn style neck cut down. Then you won't have to change out the receiver. I had one cut down for my "conn'd" Martin Sousa and it plays great with the modified neck. I would say about as we'll as my Martin tuba that uses the genuine bits. I notice some coincidences with your holton (collegiate) and the one I'm working on right now, like the weird patch/issues with the receiver and tube right below it.