1880 Boston BBb Tuba Sold

[Heliconer]

The time has come for me to part with my beloved Boston Instrument Manufactury BBb Tuba.

Boston first advertised these horns in 1886, this particular horn is pre serial number, making it the Oldest known American Made BBb Tuba known to exist currently. This was owned by the famed repairman Robb Stewart prior to me. An extensive write-up about this horn can be found on his website.

It is a real player! Valves are smooth, and have compression. I freed up the tuning slides (with the exception of one of the 3rd valve slides). Horn does have some dents throughout, and the valve section is slightly shifted I'm places, but the condition has been maintained because of its historical significance.

This is a horn for a true collector and enthusiast. There is enough pull on all of the slides to play it in modern pitch. Takes a small shank mouthpiece, will include the DW in the photos.

I am asking $2000 OBO for this piece of American Tuba History.

Pics: Boston Tuba https://imgur.com/gallery/x9uMG" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

(Baritone is just for size reference, but is also available to anyone interested)

[bisontuba]

I talk about these tubas in my presentation THE EARLY AMERICAN TUBA ( next up...a week from today at NERTEC).and yes, most likely these were the first American made BBb tubas....truly a RARE instrument AND a rare chance to obtain one!!!!!
Mark

[sactubaguy59]

I didn't think you would ever sell this one. It's another one of a kind. Good luck!

[Tubajug]

Very cool! Those are some fat bows!

[Tom Coffey]

I am a but surprised at how similar this horn looks to modern instruments. Very cool to see these pictures!