Just moved to the 'bay - starting bid is only $850!!!
A GREAT sounding horn for small-medium sized ensembles; numerous complements on the rich tone for a smaller instrument; easily playable in tune once you get adjusted to its characteristics. Horn is circa 35-40 years old. 16" bell and about 38" tall. Sized like a 185, maybe a hair larger. I would call it either a small 4/4 or a large 3/4. Blows and feels like a small Alex. This horn will not back up on you but take everything you have, sound is warm, rich, and dark with a big mouthpiece. GREAT low range, Low F's and E's pop out with little effort. Does not have that "trombone" qualty that many smaller tubas (and even some 186-188's) have at high volumes.
The valve compression is outstanding for an older horn - rotors have been plated. Each slide has a good "pop" if pulled without the valve down. Rotors are fast and quiet; original linkage was replaced with spiral spring / nylon sockets some time ago. I will pull the rotors, clean and lube them, and replace the stoppers before I ship the horn.
Includes a homemade mute (unfortunately not one of my best attempts, so for practice only) and a Meinl-Weston slipcover with drawstrings (but no handles or straps.)
Condition is a little rough. Numerous patches and some small dents, but nothing that makes it unplayable. Horn does not have any noticeable leaks. Hole in outer 1st valve slide, but never exposed through normal pulling. Some extra "guard" plates added to bows have cracks.
The bell rim/wire is a little rough in two spots including where the wire is joined, but nothing that couldn't be fixed if desired. The bell will ring without a plastic rim on it and is worse on some notes; with the rim it is fine and can really crank. Soldering the bell to the leadpipe would help as well.
Intonation is good, but not perfect. 5th partials works fine with usual alternate fingerings (1-2 E, 2-3 Eb). F's are flat, push in. A's and Ab's are sharp, pull out or use 3 instead of 1-2. D above the staff only works 3rd valve, open and 1 are too flat. However, the slots on this horn are wide enough to bend most pitches without issue if slide pulling is not desired.
No case; slipcover is not a true gigbag. Includes a well used Kellyberg mouthpiece.
Comparison to my (now Wade's) F and with myself for size considerations:
Flaws:
Hi-res pics can be emailed to serious buyers.
