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Hi all, I recently picked up a BMB J445. This is the lacquered brass with larger bell model. It is a fabulous horn and in good shape overall with only a couple minor dings. I'll update with pics as soon as possible but wanted to see if there is any interest. The horn is not going to work for the setting I had hoped, and I am going to stick with my BBb horn. Also, the local economy has collapsed here in Alaska, and I wouldn't mind having a few extra dollars in savings.
My asking price would be $3,500, and I would take care of shipping (likely Greyhound from Oregon, as my parents are coming up to visit and could take it back with them). I haven't had the horn but a few months but will provide any info I can.

A few pictures.

Another photo

Bump for price drop to $3,300

Is that a spring on the 5th valve?

bort wrote:Is that a spring on the 5th valve?

Yes, indeed, it is. It's an interesting rotary valve that I've not seen before.

Bump

JEly Time wrote:

bort wrote:Is that a spring on the 5th valve?

Yes, indeed, it is. It's an interesting rotary valve that I've not seen before.

I've only tried one of these, and it was one with the rubber band. I didn't like the feel of the 5th valve. The pistons were REALLY nice, and it was a ridiculously easy tuba to play. Reminded me of the way a Yamaha plays, except it actually sounded more like an F tuba than a small CC tuba.

I think it's a good design, and I wish they made them here in the US. Frankly, they probably could make them here, charge double (or more) for them, and they'd still be worth it.

In all honesty, I don't care for the 5th valve either. It's only needed lower than A below the staff, so not a huge deal for me. I'll play on the BBb if a piece hangs out in the lower register. I do like the pistons and am quite impressed with how much sound I can produce with this horn. It makes some serious noise without much effort. My slotting isn't ideal yet, but it get's easier every time I play. This is the first F I've ever played, so I'm still adjusting and training the ol' embouchure.

Bump...

The fifth valve is very configurable and in my opinion more fault tolerant than the traditional setup. You can easily adjust tension to your preference with various (and variable numbers of) bands. You can also get a different feel out of it by moving the post closer to the spindle. Shorter but tighter stroke. Preferable in my case. There are no arms or levers to it to gum up, catch, or fail outright. If a band goes on you, there are couple others there to back it up without having to stop.

I think it is important on these horns to get the thumb ring reinforced but this is an easy fix for any decent repair person. There is only a single attachment point and if the horn is in a bag it will likely be taking force on the ring.

The dependent vs independent thing is very much about your tastes, but the mechanics of it has many advantages.

I have this same horn in Silver. It is a gem, but the 5th valve has been an issue. I had the brace resoldered 4 times before I finally came up with a new design. The sound of the instrument is fantastic and the response is as immediate as can be. The intonation has a few quirks which are managable. This is likely due to the large bell and taper of the bugle which contribute to its exceptional sound. (Large 6/4 CCs have similar issues.) In this configuration there is a double spring piston that can be used to both push and retrieve the main tuning slide. The thumb ring and attachment for the elastic rotar is mounted upon it. Bear in mind that this photo is of a prototype. Certain elements of the engineering are being changed as I write this, but the principal will remain the same. The angle of the elastic (which has been replaced by a neoprene O ring) actually improves the return of the rotar. The thumb ring has a very strong base on which it is attached. The mechanism is operated by the right hand which grabs the black ball to be either pushed or pulled. There is approximately one inch of pull or push available to adjust the pitch. This seems to cover any pitch adjustments very nicely. I really beleive that this BMB F tuba is one of the finest on the market, but it does neet some help to which I am happy to address. The piston was created by Bill Milashius in White Bear Lake, Minneota and the installation, mounting and rod assembly by Eric Peterson of Minneapolis. The entire assembly will be removed, bright silver plated and reinstalled on the tuba.

If your are in search of an exceptional sounding F tuba, this might just fulfill your dreams. I have no trouble making its presence felt in an 85 piece orchestra and in smaller ensembles it manuevers as light as a feather. I would highly recommend this instrument. And at that price it is a great deal.

I have this same horn in Silver. It is a gem, but the 5th valve has been an issue. I had the brace resoldered 4 times before I finally came up with a new design. The sound of the instrument is fantastic and the response is as immediate as can be. The intonation has a few quirks which are managable. This is likely due to the large bell and taper of the bugle which contribute to its exceptional sound. (Large 6/4 CCs have similar issues.) In this configuration there is a double spring piston that can be used to both push and retrieve the main tuning slide. The thumb ring and attachment for the elastic rotar is mounted upon it. Bear in mind that this photo is of a prototype. Certain elements of the engineering are being changed as I write this, but the principal will remain the same. The angle of the elastic (which has been replaced by a neoprene O ring) actually improves the return of the rotar. The thumb ring has a very strong base on which it is attached. The mechanism is operated by the right hand which grabs the black ball to be either pushed or pulled. There is approximately one inch of pull or push available to adjust the pitch. This seems to cover any pitch adjustments very nicely. I really beleive that this BMB F tuba is one of the finest on the market, but it does need some help to which I am happy to address. The piston was created by Bill Milashius in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and the installation, mounting and rod assembly by Eric Peterson of Minneapolis. The entire assembly will be removed, bright silver plated and reinstalled on the tuba.

If your are in search of an exceptional sounding F tuba, this might just fulfill your dreams. I have no trouble making its presence felt in an 85 piece orchestra and in smaller ensembles it manuevers as light as a feather. I would highly recommend this instrument. And at that price it is a great deal.