Page 1 of 1

Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 9:51 am
by brass, aye?
Hello all, new user here seeking assistance...any advice would be gratefully received.

Having recently started up a community street brass band in Glasgow, Scotland, I was delighted to find that a good friend had this in his cupboard:
photo.JPG


Bell is 60cm (so 24")

It looks likely to me that Academy is a model, made by Besson.
photo (1).JPG
However, it's hard to find out anything about the Academy sousaphones. We can't afford a decent one yet, and I think Academy are probably an entry level European make from the 60's or 70's from the extensive online searching I have done.

I want to ensure my friend gets the right price. It's been reconditioned recently. If anyone has any further knowledge about the origins or value of these instruments, it would be hugely appreciated!

Richard

Re: Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 11:30 am
by iiipopes
Another thread on "Academy" instruments, bearing out what bloke says:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42820" target="_blank" target="_blank
Although, I'd speculate it's a Besson version in Eb.

Re: Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 9:43 am
by brass, aye?
Thanks guys, I shall report back with pictures of the valves. I appreciate your time. It looks very similar to that picture of a Besson, but the valves are positioned closer to the edge of the circle (I'm sure there's a technical term for that!)

Re: Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 1:53 pm
by brass, aye?
He said it was very similar to this Getzen Sousaphone:http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... 0805654079

Re: Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:32 pm
by brass, aye?
photo.JPG
photo(2).JPG
photo(1).JPG
Apologies for the delay, the friend went on holiday.

I hope this helps, thanks again friends.

It is around 4" across at the collar by the way, and it is definitely a larger bore than the hindusaphone suggestion.

Re: Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 3:24 am
by SwissTony
This sousaphone is now in my collection! :)

Re: Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 9:07 am
by Three Valves
bloke wrote:What about a Hindusaphone?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sousaphone-Brass-/160917284060
It's interesting to me how many positions they bend the Hindusophone into before presenting them in photos.

Must be a cultural thing!! :shock: