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Where can one get those pieces of leather people put on the bows of the tuba?

Thrift shop? Buy a leather purse for 50 cents? Maybe a jacket for $3.00?

Any hobby store should have an assortment of leather. I've also purchased some bulk tanned leather for outdoor projects from a shoe repair guy.

naugies are secretive creatures and like to hide

bloke wrote:Leather (whether lacquered, silver plated, or no finish) will damage the instrument more than "nothing".
Consider Naugahyde.

I didn't know that but it makes sense.

Maybe cordura instead? To my eyes it's more attractive than leather in applications like this.

If there is a Tandy Leather near you, they have a good assortment of scraps usually. I use them to make belts and pouches for family gifts and have had good results with their leather. Their online store isn't shabby, but shipping costs usually aren't the best.

Oh - to add to this. Stay away from the chrome tanned as the elephant stated. It will eat your tuba or other metals.

Slingshot makers say kangaroo hide is the best leather for pouches.

Not sure how on topic that is, but FWIW.

I was obsessed with this when I bought my first horn way back when. 5 tubas later, I have not troubled myself with such a thing since.