Donatelli CC tuba by Conn

quinterbourne · Post by **quinterbourne** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 2:46 pm

I've heard about a member on here, "Alex C", who is selling a Conn Donatelli CC - 4+1 setup.

This is his description about it: "This is a rare tuba, consistant in size with most 4/4 - 5/4 tubas and with an American sound. It was built in 1929 to Phillip Donatelli's (New York Philharmonic tuba player) specifications."

Anyways, it's in Texas, which would mean a plane flight for me. I would like to go down and try it, but I'd like to know if any of you know what the playing characterists of this (type of) horn is like? Are there any horns out there similar in certain aspects?

Ultimately, I will try before I buy, but I want to know if it would be worth the time and $ to go down there and try it.

THANKS!

*bore size would be something I am interested in...

Alex C · Post by **Alex C** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:22 pm

That's a beautiful picture of a Donatelli, mine is unlacquered and rarely shines.

Though I haven't offered it for sale, I believe I will. I bought a Nirschl 4/4 CC and have decided to keep it. As Roger Lewis told me, "you want a horn that likes what you blow into it." I did not understand what he was talking about until I played the Nirschl.

The Conn is an exceptional instrument in my opinion. Intonation is so good it's scary, the Nirschl isn't as in tune as the Conn is. The sound is terrific, American but different than the York instruments.

I've loved every minute of owning this instrument and it has performed well for me but I have to decide if I can keep two similar tubas and it comes down to economics.

BTW, I measured the bore of the Donatelli at .734" (in the valve section tubing for those of you with other opinions on how to measure).

quinterbourne · Post by **quinterbourne** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:40 pm

Just to be clear, I'm not "trying to recruit strangers to audition my tuba purchases for me" and I'm not looking for someone to "serve as a 'pinch hitter' for my possible investment."

I was not trying to indicate that I believed that Alex C was being dishonest. He said it was "built in 1929 to Phillip Donatelli's specifications." I'd like to know what that means. Plus, sometimes it's good to hear opinions from people other than the seller. The details surrounding this instrument seem somewhat "vague" and I just want more information. I'm not going to buy (or not buy) just because "so-and-so" said whatever... but it will help me decide if I should consider it.

All I'm trying to figure out if it will be worth it for me to go down there to try it out. The more money I spend looking at tubas the less money I have to buy a tuba... I need to know a bit more about the type of horn before I put it "on my radar."

hbcrandy · Post by **hbcrandy** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 8:05 am

For the record, Mr. Donatelli played for the Philadelphia Orchestra and taught at the Curtis Institute. Mr. Donatelli was Mr. Torchinsky's predecessor in the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as Mr. Torchinsky's teacher at Curtis. For some background on Phillip Donatelli, see the International Tuba and Euphonium Society's Oral history from Mr. Torchinsky. It is available for download fronm the ITEA web site.