Walter Nirschl 6/4 BBb Tuba with 5th valve

[roweenie]

I remember Jim Fegley from Reading, Pa. Unfortunately, he is now deceased, so he can't be consulted about the horn. If I remember correctly, that horn was built as a custom order for him, but I can't be 100% certain about that.

Pictures might help in determining value.

[bort]

I've never seen one of these in BBb... I might be wrong, but I believe that "Meister Walter Nirschl" is the top of the line, German handmade version of his tubas, and not the other non-German brands.

Assuming it plays as good as it looks, and that the leadpipe work.and physical condition are all good, I think it's worth quite a lot. I'd check the going rate for a used CC Nirschl 6/4, and maybe knock off a few grand for it being BBb (sorry, just the reality of the market).

Or maybe I'm way off on all of this. Neat horn, good luck!

[MikeMason]

Could possibly be one of the best and rarest BBb b a ts in existence.prolly somewhere like Baltimore brass consignment to get the best price for it/evaluation.

[bort]

BBb brings in less than CC? Cut it to CC!

[MikeMason]

Where in Florida? I bet James Jenkins of the Jacksonville symphony would enjoy playing it.he is a BBb player.

[Tubadork]

I'll give you $1,500

B

[doublebuzzing]

Looks very nice from what I can see but the pictures are small

[FunkyTuba]

I'll give you $1,500

B

I'll go $2k, and I'll fly in to pick it up

[FunkyTuba]

yes, all joking aside, this appears to be a standout horn that I'd love to own but probably will never be able to justify the cost of...

please let us know how things turn out

[Jeff Keller]

I'm located in florida. Did you ever decide on a price?

[FunkyTuba]

Would very much like to have an update on this horn... gator16104 if you're still checking this forum, please let us know what's up.

[Jess Haney]

Told you Tubenet this horn existed. I want it. And you doubted me.

[FunkyTuba]

It's apparently a mystery that's been around this forum going back a decade.

John, it looks like you've got something special on your hands here. Possibly so rare that this forum can't help you. I am a relative newcomer so I'm not 100% familiar with all the personages that hang out here.

It'd probably be worth your money to solicit the advice of a professional appraiser that deals specifically with brass instruments, if not for sale then at least for your insurance.

Besides, I think we'd all love to hear your opinion of what it sounds like and feels to play it... please dish!

[roweenie]

As I said earlier - to my knowledge, that horn was (at that time) custom built for Jim Fegley of Reading, Pa. He passed away over 6 years ago, so he can't help answer our questions about the horn.

He (Jim) must not have owned it for very long - in 1999, I went to his house with my Conn 36J (he was interested in buying it) and to my almost certain knowledge he didn't have that Nirschl yet. If the OP bought it in 2002, it was only a few years old when he (the OP) obtained it.

(Of course, it is possible that Jim already had that Nirschl when I brought over my Conn, but if he did, I don't see why he would be interested in my horn, or at least be interested in showing his one-of-a-kind horn to me.)

I would think that the best way to assess value is to contact Mr. Nirschl and ask what it would cost to build another one (if applicable). Short of that, maybe the OP can use the figure he paid to Mr. Fegley as a starting point, adjust it for inflation, and let free market forces determine value.

[roweenie]

Lost, that certainly seems to be the case, doesn't it?

1. Purchased the horn in 2002

2. Asked about its value in 2005

3. Asked about its value in 2006

4. Asked about its value in 2012

5. Asked about its value in 2015

I don't think Rick D. is the only one who has taken this guy seriously. I have posted what I believe to be valuable clues as to the horn's value - I have had face-to-face dealings with the original owner, and I actually knew him for about 15 years prior to that.

So, on that note, let's clear this up right now, shall we? I say it's worth at least.....

[bort]

Hrmm... asked the same question 4 times over 13 years. Oh, the horror!

How many people have been through the TubeNet revolving door since then?! I hope he asks again in 2018.

[roweenie]

No problem, Lost!

I agree totally - Tubenet is a great place to show off our treasures. I think that's entirely appropriate.

It also can be a great place to get solid and useful information, provided the person asking really wants it.

[Peach]

Resurrecting an old post, but I noticed a conversation where Mr Nirschl said he's made 8 of these horns in Bb now. Seems like this might be the only one in the US(?) but there are others (well, 7 others...).

[FunkyTuba]

And it's not bad if someone wants to show off their horns and watch people drool, just do it with larger pics!

yes please more pics

[RSorenson]

I am pretty sure i know who has this tuba. He asked me a couple of months ago if I knew a price for it and my advice was that it was too unique to sell. I just sent him a message to see if it was him.

The tuba itself is a fantastic horn. A fantastic sound and plays much like the old Yorkbrunners (only i think it is an easier playing horn). It is a beast of an instrument though. The change in the lead pipe made the horn easier to hold and play. The only other NIrschl 6/4 i played was set at a very awkward angle and this horn doesnt have that issue.

Again, I am not 100% sure this is the same person, but i find it highly unlikely for there to be 2 people in my general area with this same horn.