1960 Olds O-99 4V

[tbn.al]

I wish I had seen this one before I bought my beater. But mine is probably going to play better than this one eventually.

http://cgi.ebay.com/TUBA-BB-F-E-OLDS-4V ... 7C294%3A50" target="_blank

[bort]

Looks nice!

I haven't followed the prices much for the 4-valve versions, but that seems like a lot more than I would have thought!

[Donn]

Looks nice!
I haven't followed the prices much for the 4-valve versions, but that seems like a lot more than I would have thought!

In that kind of shape, and 4 valves, I'd sure try to get that much. Not saying it's necessarily worth it. If I selling it, though, I would show a picture of the valves, and if they look OK and I don't know of any problem with the valves I wouldn't say "might ought to look at them valves". I would also mention Fullerton, Calif. or any such thing that might be engraved on the tuba or could be determined via serial no.

[tbn.al]

In addition to this forum, I have been watching eBay, BB, Dillon's, Ferguson and others for a couple of years now and only 3 4V's have come available, most too expensive for my taste. I jumped on a beater off eBay a couple of months ago. Time will tell whether or not it was a good deal. 3V's are a lot more common and much cheaper. After playing mine a while I can see why. The 4th valves on these are redundant unless you have the tuning slides on 1 and 3 cut. Olds evidently just put the 4th valves on as a marketing ploy. They didn't go to the trouble of eliminating the compromises that were inherent in the 3V models. You do wind up with two ways of playing notes, however both have identical tuning. Once this is corrected on mine, I should have a nice little piston BBb, I hope.

[tbn.al]

This one is back up with a $1650 Buy It Now. The last auction looked a bit suspicious. One bid by a first timer. Maybe a clumsy attempt by seller to get some interest. Valve caveat might mean a replate.