York 640 Project Update

[opus37]

I've been messing with a 1906 York 640 (3/4 size, 3 valve top action Eb, low pitch) for a while. The history is documented here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=74468" target="_blank

My tech guy finally got back to it this last week and I finally got to test playing it yesterday. The first surprise was that the very old looking valves do seal reasonably well. I think classic oil may be in order, but they do have a pop when you pull the slides. Wow, it was fun to play! Not the deep resinate tone of a full size tuba, but very nice. It does not play in tune for 440, being a low pitch, so our next project is to shorten the "W" enough to get it up to 440 with some tuning room. That is a little problematic because the construction technique of this horn is way different than that used in a York horn made about 1912. (I purchased a valve set of that vintage for parts, aka valve caps). The pistons are different too. Anyway, we are moving forward. It will be another few weeks to get this together so we can test this again. So far, we have replaced a few missing braces, changed the mouthpiece receiver with a modern one, cleaned it inside and out, removed a few dents and alined the valves. I think I'll end up with a fun solo or small group horn. It may show up at Tuba Christmas. More to come.

[DouglasJB]

How big is the valve set?

[opus37]

How big is the valve set?

Are you asking Opus37 or myself? If me, perhaps via PM so we don't sidetrack this thread more than I already have (sorry Opus37)

No need to apologize. The valve sets for the 640's changed over time. My 1906 version has valves that are taller than the the set I have from 1912 or so. The tubing is also different in how it is constructed. I guess York learned to make things more in mass as time went on. My project is staying with the 1906 stuff with just the valve buttons and valve caps from the later model. I do have an almost complete 1912 valve set that I will not use on this project. It is from a high pitch horn. I have not measured the valve diameters. If someone is looking for parts, sharing is part of the fun.

[opus37]

I got the 640 back from my repair guy. He redid the broken braces, changed the receiver, shortened the tuning slide to get to 440, alined the valves, cleaned the inside and replaced the valve caps (with period caps). So, it now plays. I have not added a 4th valve, he is not done that before and is a bit reluctant to try. I'm going to polish up the outside and play it a while. Then we'll see what's next. I'll add pictures after I've polished it up.

[opus37]

I think it looks a lot better after a bit of clean up. It plays with a surprisingly big sound for a small tuba. It is 28" tall, 19" wide and has a 15 " bell. It still needs a bit more cleaning. The pictures are the York logo etching on the bell, before restoration and after polishing.

[Tubajug]

Very nice!

[opus37]

I took the 640 to band practice on Monday night. The band is about 30 pieces. The York performed wonderfully!! Nice clear sound. A bit brighter than my Kanstul. Lots of volume. Got good response from the trombone section (they never compliment tubas). I'm very happy with it. I may use it with this band regularly.

[Bob Kolada]

Slick horn! How are the octave Eb/D's?

[opus37]

I have to lip the Eb below the staff up a little, everything else is right on.