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I just picked up a new (to me) Eb horn and am trying to pinpoint what model it is. It is a C. G. Conn serial number 129,745, which according to Conn's website places it between 1912 and 1913. Any thoughts? -Mark

Check this out:

http://www.saxophone.org/museum/publications/id/131" target="_blank

Conn did not assign model letters and numbers to horns until the 20's, but your horn is a predecessor to a 4J, 5J, 12J or 13J

Thanks for the information! I'm now on the hunt for a mouthpiece that fits better, as the shank(s) on my Bb mouthpieces seem slightly too wide for it to seat nicely. Would a Baritone one work, or are there small shank Tuba mouthpieces, maybe European?

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the "E-flat" shank-size is pretty much the same as the "small European" size, which has an outside diameter of 0.490" at the tip. An even vaguer memory suggests that on some of those old tubas the taper can sometimes be a bit steeper than standard, so a mouthpiece with the usual Morse taper may rock a little in the receiver. Some of these receivers have enough metal to be reamed to the standard taper (consult a repair technician), others may need a layer of teflon tape at one end of the shank.

"Denis Wick Mouthpieces" carries tuba mouthpieces with small-euro shanks as stock items - tuba mouthpieces #1 (largest, at 32.5 mm) to #5 (smallest, at 30 mm), with American-standard-shank equivalents numbered #1L to #5L; Most Tubenetters seem to agree that the #3 (at 31.25 mm) is best suited for an Eb tuba (especially for solo work), with some preferring the #2 (at 32 mm, and more funnel shaped), for better performance in the lower ranges.

It used to be possible to special-order (for a fee) a "Boosey and Hawkes" shank from Vincent Bach (mine has "B" stamped on the shank); I don't know if this service is still available.

Suitable sized shanks are available in the three-piece style from both the Selsmanberger range (aka "blokepiece") and from Doug Elliot.

Note: There are still a few old tubas out there, from about the turn of the twentieth century or earlier, that require an even smaller shank, which is .470" at the tip. I believe Doug Elliot makes a "medium euph" shank this size, for use with his range of mouthpiece cups and rims.

I have a top valve of this era 1918 or 1919. From my research mine is Giant EEb 19J (tighter wrap on the bugle). The receiver on mine was so short the end of a standard American shank MP was contacting the mouth pipe. I added a slightly longer Allied receiver with the correct taper for current 'merican MPs. From your picture I think I see some patches on the mouth pipe and an insert or lengthened tuning slide. Your horn must have been a high pitch build. I like the horn, congratulations on the find! My horn falls into a category of low pitch builds. I'm considering a new mouth pipe to raise the pitch and maybe reduce the entry bore ever so slightly. A sousaphone neck bypass with a little automotive hose into the tuning loop might give you some ideas for adding some modern pieces to update your horn. This trick worked for me on low B Bb and A . With the bypass leadpipe these unfocused notes popped like I am used hearing and feeling them.

What styles will you be playing with this tuba?
How about some measurements bell and height ?
Don't worry about a fourth valve, Ab open to the pedal In my experience is very good on the older horns.

Joe Hunter
Nashville tuba

http://simonettitubacollection.files.wo ... 000412.jpg

Same design?

more

http://www.horn-u-copia.net/Reference/P ... ment=Tuba

I'm one of those who has played a Wick 3 through small Eb horns, similar to this one, and recommend it.

I am just getting back into playing after years away from it. I used my Bb horn primarily for symphonic music, this one I am planning on doing more Latin/Jazz (one reason I really like the smaller size). It is 30.5 inches tall and has a bell diameter of 14 inches, and smallish bore (my Conn Helleberg inserts ~2/3 of an inch).

I bought a 13J and picked up a small shank Wick 3 to go with it and am happy with it. I bought at ITEC and got the classic as it was less expensive
SCOTTM