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What do you mean when you say "short action valves?" I believe that York and Holton made what they called short action valves, but the most commonly known ones are those on the Conn 2XJ series tubas and the Conn 20K sousaphone. Conn 2XJ tubas with front action valves are rare as hen's teeth, and those with 4 front action valves are even rarer. Of course none of those will be one piece, all will have detachable bells, the majority of which will be of the recording variety.

On the other hand, you will find plenty of silver plated front action, one piece, BBb tubas with 3 or 4 valves, just not with short action valves.

Are you looking for something similar to that old Conn Harv's Happy Horns (or something like that) put together with a bunch of random parts including 20K short action sousaphone valves?

Not to discourage you, but finding an old Conn bell-up, front actions, short stroke BBb might be difficult. Finding one that doesn't need tons of work might be even more difficult.

It sounds to me as if you might really like the new King 2341 BBb.

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If you check out Dillonmusic.com used tubas, Conn 25J is up for sale.
It does have a detachable bell, but it's an upright and comes with 2 hard cases. This horn ishas 4 top, short action valves.
It's a whole lotta horn for a reasonable price that's flexible.
If you have any questions, email me privately at Frankonj@aol.com.

Thanks,
Frank Ortega