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BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 5:16 pm
by sticky_valve
Hi folks,
Looking for some insight and recommendations on 3/4 BBb tubas with recording bells on the used market?
Not looking to shake the room, looking for something nimble with decent intonation and clarity for front bar small vintage jazz / Dixieland combo stuff.
Prefer upright valves, will consider front action too if no other options. Three or four valves ok too.
What are some of the makes and models you’ve experienced?
Thanks in advance.
Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 3:10 am
by sticky_valve
Thanks for all the replies so far...,
Bloke, I can vouch for the Reynolds 5/4, I have one and it plays amazingly great, but it is quite tall and big, unfortunately it is suffering a few too many bruises in cramped conditions.
Preference for upright valves comes from being able sit much closer to banjo /guitar to their left, makes a lot easier for working out variations on the fly without a poking banjo neck!
Anyone know much about these Lyons Monarch horns?
The size and configuration is what I’m after but cannot find any specs or info on how well these do or don’t play?
http://www.horn-u-copia.net/instruments ... h-tuba.jpg
Any info on these or similar is much appreciated.
Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 8:06 am
by EdFirth
Miraphone made a small top action horn with a bell front option. It's exactly what you are describing in your post. There was a guy at the Rat playing one when I showed up here in 83'. There are probably some floating around out there unused due to top action/bell front phobia that could be had for not a lot of money. Good luck, Ed
Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 8:21 am
by SousaWarrior9
sticky_valve wrote:
Anyone know much about these Lyons Monarch horns?
The size and configuration is what I’m after but cannot find any specs or info on how well these do or don’t play?
http://www.horn-u-copia.net/instruments ... h-tuba.jpg
Any info on these or similar is much appreciated.
FYI there's one on eBay right now for under a grand. I don't know the seller and I've never played one, but just thught you might want to know.
Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 2:58 am
by tofu
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Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 2:39 pm
by Matt G
Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:21 pm
by iiipopes
Doc wrote:tofu wrote:How about a 186 with the detachable bell? Miraphone made a good number of them with the recording bells (small # compared to total 186 volume but then again 186 volume is huge).
I helped a a friend and board member acquire a 186 with recording bell a couple years ago. It was in pretty decent condition when I picked it up, and I'm sure it was put into optimal condition for the eventual owner. I played it prior to finishing the transition to my friend, and I really enjoyed it. It had that great Miraphone sound, just with a forward bell. Solid intonation. Very responsive. Typical. It was
NOT unwieldy or cumbersome (at least to a gorilla like me). The recording bell just isn't that large, especially compared to a Conn 20J or similar instrument. Regardless of size, this tuba it made as much sound or as little sound as I preferred. I was disappointed that I was not going to be the final recipient of the tuba, but I sure enjoyed the evening I got to spend on it before sending it off the next day. I would own one without any reservations whatsoever.
My Bessophone started life as a detachable recording bell model. I agree on tone, intonation and response, except that the bell tenon interfered with the tone and intonation of first ledger line first valve Eb. But I disagree on ergonomics. It was front bell heavy, unwieldy, and difficult to keep steady on my lap to play for an extended period of time. That is one reason I sold the detachable bell and stack and converted the bell stack to my Bessophone.
I agree with the post above for the Couesnon 3/4 tuba. The recording bell is angled less, so it does not adversely affect the center of gravity of the tuba, and therefore the ergonomics.
Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 1:48 am
by tofu
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Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 12:48 pm
by Lee Stofer
I have a Cousenon 3-top-piston, fixed-recording-bell 3/4 size BBb tuba available, which sounds quite nice.
Please contact me at
tubamacher@gmail.com" target="_blank for more information. And yes, I will ship to Melbourne, Australia.
Re: BBb 3/4 size Recording Bell Tubas - what’s out there?
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 1:15 pm
by MN_TimTuba
tofu wrote: And a 3/4 Couesnon - that thing would make more sense as a wall hanger - I've never heard any Couesnon that wasn't a pos.
One man's POS is another man's jazz tuba.
Not here to argue with anyone's personal experience. I will just say that I've played a BBb Cousenon 3/4, even solo'ed on it with full band, and it wasn't a bad horn at all. Do I like my 345 better? Yup. Do I know everything? Nope.
If you can toot one before you buy it'll help you decide. If Lee is offering one you can have some confidence.
