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As I had mentioned the other week, I have 3 Sousaphones that belong to our non-profit (I'm on the board of directors).
Being a low brass player (Tenor & Bass Trombone), I know there is some value here (maybe) - but moreso Historical Value, as these were played by our local High School and Jr. High School bands (both, which no longer exist). The High School was closed in 1976. The Jr High was closed in 1988.

Plans are, to put these in our museum - yet I want to have them worked on first (if we can afford it), and make them a little nicer. I'd rather pick the best one to start with - but could use your help identifying which would be best.
I have not had time to take them out, and look them over well - but hope to soon. Here they are:

1)


2)


3)


I believe # 3 is a little smaller, less tubing too (case is marked Conn - haven't had time to look for identifying markers engraving).

Cases:


Couple questions...
1) Where would I look for the makers name (bell?)
2) Where would I look for model number (mpc receiver?)
3) Where would I look for serial number?

These are half hour from me, so I don't get down there but once a week. Also they are in an old storage room, and only 1 guy has a key - so he sometimes isn't there so i have restricted access and time to inspect.

Any thoughts? Idea's? Suggestions on which one to start with?

Thanks,
Troy

Any thoughts?

Troy

The first 2 look like King sousas to me. They could be 'King' or 'Cleveland', their old student line (see links) -
http://www.hnwhite.com/King/Low%20Brass ... 0Large.jpg
http://www.hnwhite.com/King/Low%20Brass ... 0Large.jpg

The main tuning slide on the small one is in an odd place. It doesn't exactly match the King sousas that I've seen (in person or photos/catalogs), but the rest of the shape is close. It's not a match to any Conn that I've ever seen. I'd guess that the case is a replacement.

I'm not a repair guy so I can't comment on fixing them, but they have pretty typical wear for HS instruments, except for what looks like a missing neck support on the Eb.

Thanks for the info.
Looks like I have a lot to learn about Sousaphones!

I believe the neck support is there, but is just detached. Needs to be soldered back in place (If I remember right).

I'll try and get more info as well, and thank you for the links.
My son lives in Louisburg, not too far from you. I'll probably be down that way soon (my new grandson to be born at Rex Hospital within a month)

Thanks again, for the reply.

Troy

bloke wrote: not really of any museum type of interest, in my view.

No argument on my part, but for our museum - they will be priceless.
Our 501c3, is the Hildebran Heritage and Development Assoc.
Our museum, has a specified room, for the old Hildebran High School and Hildebran Jr High School - letter jackets, annuals, graduation photos as early as 1921, etc.
All things Hildebran Royals - so they are actually perfect for our museum, since they were used at the school (sentimental reasons). If I could track down my old Trombone I played while I was there, I'd donate it (I gave it to my Aunt in Columbus Ohio years ago).

Here's our webiste:

http://www.hildebranschool.com/" target="_blank

Troy

The other board of directors members wouldn't agree to sell one. I suggested we sell 2, and use funds to overhaul 1.
That didn't go over to well.
I was voted down 8-1 me being the 1.

T.

1. buescher
2. holton
3. holton Eb

Think #2 could also be one of those Conn made selmers?

I probably won't be able to check them again, until Tuesday - but will get more information soon.

Thank you so much!!

Troy

OK, the jury is in.
Now.. we are gonna keep 1, and give the other 2 back to the Town.

Which one would be best to keep? (ie value, parts availability for repair, best to display in museum)?

Here they are again...

1) Busecher


2) Conn


3) Holton (looks small than the others)


What say ye?


Thanks,
Troy

tsmart wrote:Which one would be best to keep? (ie value, parts availability for repair, best to display in museum)?

This could be clearer. I assume "keep" means put in the museum, "give back to Town" means return to use as musical instruments or sell. It seems like repair issues and value (i.e., as player) are primarily relevant to the instruments that don't go to the museum. Do you want to take the least valuable/fixable for the museum?

Just looking at photos, it appears to me that your Buescher is lacquered, the other two are silver plate. (Maybe - the Conn looks unlacquered to me at first glance, but I'm just supposing it's going to clean up silver because of an assumption about the era.) The lacquered instrument is going to look ragged no matter what you do, short of a relacquer. The other ones will polish up nice and look good hanging on a wall. So that's one down, I'd say - Buescher goes free, because of its ratty lacquer.

I'd keep the Conn, since there are still parts available, and "donate" the other two.

Keep one - to put in the museum.
Fix it up first, keep, display.

Give back to the town - the town does not work together with the school system (two separate entities) .
The town will probably sell the other two, or scrap them, or throw them out (we can only take one, the town owns possession of them all - we can not donate or sell any of them, and the Mayor is a witch).

All 3 are brass.
None are silver plate (just an illusion from lighting and crappy cell phone camera).

I was figuring keep the Conn, since Conn Selmer is still in business.

Any other input/thought? Suggestions?

Thanks for the help,
Troy