Sanders Imperial BBb Dayton OH CL $800

[edsel585960]

I know its a Sanders but it's not a bad horn for the money if you're looking for a 4 valve BBb. https://dayton.craigslist.org/msg/d/spr ... 80878.html" target="_blank

[EdFirth]

These usually play really well. Ed

[Will Jones]

Imperials are chinese, no? Hard to tell if it actually says imperial on it though. I’m going to look at it in person tomorrow.

[toobagrowl]

Yeah, I think this was a Chinese import for Custom Music back in the day. Not a German-made B&S 101/'Sonora', but a Chinese clone.
It's probably a good overall tuba, and the Cerveny-style linkage is decent enough. The horn looks in good condition and comes with a hard case. A good deal for only $800

[Will Jones]

Played for a few moments this morning. Definitely an Imperial. No obvious problems with the horn. Good condition overall with no obvious dents or repairs except the bell that has a wrinkle. Valve linkages are noisy, and that's probably what was providing some extra vibrations when I played. Easy to produce a deep and clear tone, and no intonation issues jumped out at me. Maybe it was my mouthpiece choice (Conn Helleberg) but the tone was a little vanilla. I should have brought a couple of different mouthpieces but alas. The case is fairly flimsy at this point.

[toobagrowl]

^ So, I'm guessing you bought the tuba? Yeah, for me personally, I prefer bowl/cup mpcs on all my tubas.
The Cerveny-style linkage can probably be tightened up -- they should have adjustable screws on the link-arms. The linkage & rotor bearings prolly need oil, too. Every metal-to-metal part you see rubbing against each other needs oil or grease. That should quiet down the clacking and make things move smoother/faster

[Will Jones]

No- didn’t get it. Good horn, but not compelling enough to take it home.