TubeNet

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 761646459/" target="_blank

Five piston valve CC. Looks interesting but any additional background?

Unique, beautiful, and untouched(?). I wonder how it plays... Those 3 things can mean it was either banished to a collection, or was just for show (plays badly).

Also, it looks like it weighs about 40 pounds.

Neat!

The work is definitely top notch, but it’s a wild looking tuba in other aspects.

That is cool! Very unique 5th valve. Is it just a regular piston placed in the leadpipe?

That is one unique tuba.

I've never seen a piston 5th valve added to a leadpipe before. The 5th valve stem is extended so you can actuate it with your left hand while it rests on the upper 1st valve loop. Very creative.

Can anyone make out what the lower engraving on the bell says? Something "Model"?

That 3 piece bell stack is definitely telling us a story about how it started out its life.

As well as all that art decco 2XJ-style bracing.

I agree, it would be great to know its story.

With my crappy eyes, the engraving seems to read "Stewart Model" (?) and appears to have been added by a different hand than the original engraving.

Very unique instrument, possibly custom from the factory, but IMHO not likely. Then again, I suppose anything is possible.

The 5th piston valve is intriguing - very original layout!

If you look at the bell engraving, it appears that the fabricator cut down a 2xJ or sousaphone bell to make the upright bell. The top of the engraving is simply cut off. The bead rolling looks well done nonetheless.

Matt G wrote:If you look at the bell engraving, it appears that the fabricator cut down a 2xJ or sousaphone bell to make the upright bell. The top of the engraving is simply cut off. The bead rolling looks well done nonetheless.

Good eye.

Also, I've never seen a factory Conn valveset wrap like that (4th valve tuning crook on top).

I wonder if it sports a flat 3rd partial......

roweenie wrote:

Matt G wrote:If you look at the bell engraving, it appears that the fabricator cut down a 2xJ or sousaphone bell to make the upright bell. The top of the engraving is simply cut off. The bead rolling looks well done nonetheless.

Good eye.

Also, I've never seen a factory Conn valveset wrap like that (4th valve tuning crook on top).

I wonder if it sports a flat 3rd partial......

Yeah, I think nearly all of the valve tubing has been redone. I remember the first and third slides being “flatter” (more parallel to the plane the bows are wrapped in) on most Conn tubas.

I could be wrong but think it was mostly made from a 36j.

In any event, a great deal of work was certainly put into it, to the point of having it silver plated.

I wonder how it plays.....?

I've played it. Just saw it today as a matter of fact when I dropped a horn of mine off for some mods. Nice horn. Here's what Scott Sweeney of Sweeney Brass here in
Raleigh says in the ad:

----------
This is a unique and seemingly custom made/assembled tuba.
5 piston CC, in silver plate.
It does all appear to be Conn parts and is likely based off a 48J New Wonder CC and/or 80/84J parts.
The tuba is very solid and well constructed. It has been replated quite nicely as well, showing almost no signs of wear. The instrument was constructed by a professional instrument craftsperson and restorer specializing in antique and museum pieces.
Serial number 262XXX on valve block dates approximately 1928/1929.
Bell measures 19'' across.
approx 35'' tall.

Available for play testing here in our shop in Raleigh, NC
-----------------

I'll add that the "Stewart Model" engraving is actually a man's name. He was the brass instrument technician that put the horn together apparently. He died recently and the horn was part of an estate sale as I understand or something like that. Its a nice horn.

Also Scott Is a an excellent technician and bass trombonist himself. I highly recommend his work. If you're anywhere near Raleigh, NC consider Sweeney Brass for your work.