1920'a bell-front King

[sugawi]

Always wanted to try one...
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 1159981501

[Dan Schultz]

I used to own one of the fixed recording bell Kings in Eb. I think they called it a model 1235. It was a good horn.

[sugawi]

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[Dan Schultz]

IMG_0004.jpg

Here's picture of valves, would it need valve job?

That depends on how much clearance there is between the piston and the casing. Can you visibly 'wiggle' the piston in the casing? How's the compression? Try pulling the slides and see if there is any 'pop'?

[EdFirth]

I've owned two and played several others of this model. They are possibly the easiest playing best sounding horns I've ever experienced. And they are what they are. Fixed bell front three valve tubas. Making the bell detachable and adding valves seems to spoil them. But on the venues where they are appropriate they crush. I'm sure many of you have played the Guy Lombardo band fronted by Art Rooney. When I did it he asked me to bring my bass fiddle which I did for his tunes which were mostly for bass. I played the rest on that 3 valve King. y bass playing was pretty lame and when I was later working with the contractor he said he had driven Art to the airport after the job and he talked about me a lot of the way. I began a huge apology for sucking so bad on the bass and he interrupted me saying, "No, he was going on about the sound of the tuba being one of the best he'd heard. Why the hell did I ever sell it? Ed

[sugawi]

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[saxophyte]

its sold

[Karituba]

This is a great tuba.... I own one and I almost like it better then my PT-3!!!!

[bigtubby]

Late to the party as usual. Agree with all of the "great horn" comments but:

Almost twice the price, this IMO would be a much better choice for anyone looking for a nice old King:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=64187

Advantages over the ebay silver horn that was sold:
1. Four valves.
2. Detachable bell.
3. Slide improvements for better drainage and 1st valve pull.
4. A pair of decent looking cases.

Probable advantage: Valves most likely in better shape.

I have nothing to do with the 1241 above but if I didn't already own one I would buy it instead of pimping it here.

[J.c. Sherman]

My current bell front is one of these. They are exceptional beasts. The solid bell and the earlier tuning slide does something very favorable to these. Point and shoot with joy coming out. Someone got a great deal, even if the valves aren't primo.