Martin tubas?

[AndyL]

Did Martin make any front action 3valve BAT's or near BAT's?

I believe that the US Navy band used them (4v) at one time.

I don't have Stauffer's book handy, but my recollection is that those were top-action tubas, not front-action.

Retired Navy tubist Leonard Jung had something to say about the Navy’s choice of tubas when he was principal. Jung told me the Navy used both types (front- and top-action), which facilitated stand sharing and page turning. He played a 4-valve front-action Martin in the Navy.

[Rick Denney]

Retired Navy tubist Leonard Jung had something to say about the Navy’s choice of tubas when he was principal. Jung told me the Navy used both types (front- and top-action), which facilitated stand sharing and page turning. He played a 4-valve front-action Martin in the Navy.

That's good to know. My only source (as mentioned) was Don Stauffer, also a Navy Band legend. He praised the Martins but only pictured the top-action instrument.

Rick "who owns Lenny Jung's fiberglass Martin used in retirement" Denney

[Rick Denney]

Rick "who owns Lenny Jung's fiberglass Martin used in retirement" Denney

Cough,**>>pictures<<**, cough, cough....

My photographic skills are not up to the challenge of properly portraying the radiator hose clamps.

Rick "who knows his limitations" Denney

[Art Hovey]

This is my father's Martin - not the 6/4 model, but still a little bigger than a King. He bought it second-hand around 1932 for $65 and played it for more than 60 years with its original 3 front-action valves and recording bell. Before buying it he took it to Lucas delNegro to ask his opinion. Luke played it chromatically from F above the staff down to pedal F and said it was ok. After the war my father studied with Bill Bell, using an identical tuba that Bell had in his studio. When I inherited it I put a Nirschl valve section and a Buescher upright bell onto it. I play it regularly with the CT Symphonic Band, but it's too big and heavy for most other gigs.

On the original version of Bill Bell's Golden Crest LP there is a photo of Mr. Bell playing a 6/4 Martin with front-action valves and a recording bell. I was told that it belonged to Harvey Phillips, and the photographer liked it because it was so new and shiny.[/img]

[Paul Scott]

Martin made a wide variety of tubas and they certainly made 6/4 front action horns. As was previously stated, the bore on these horns is not large (.730 usually) but the bows and bell are fairly enormous.

One of mine is pictured on the Dutch Tuba Site, picture #169.

http://www.tuba.is.nl/

[LoyalTubist]

All of the Washington, DC, military bands, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Band at New London, Connecticut, had entire fleets of Martin tubas and sousaphones at one time (AT THE SAME TIME!)

[pjv]

Please, gentlemen, lets not cut the bells on these old beautiful historical tubas. Please. (As well one risks damaging what might have been a fine bell.)

The nice thing about these bells is that you can change the positioning. If its a quirky hall (or a small venue), changing the direction of your sound can be to your advantage.

I myself hold my tuba as many other players do; at an 80% angle. This means that with an upright bell ones sound is going upwards, but at an 80% angle. If I turn my bell front to the side it also goes up at an 80% angle, all be it in the other direction than the rest of the horn. But, up is up.

Looks a bit funky, but hey, its ain't no beauty pageant.

-Pat

[Frank Byrne]

I have a high opinion of Martin tubas. This one has a great sound and a nice compact wrap. It would make a great "project tuba" for someone. As I have a new horn and can't keep two this one will be offered for sale soon. Stay tuned!

Frank

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[ken k]

Was Martin the company that made the "Handcrafted" line of instruments? The local band (Ringgold Band of Reading, PA) in town has a "Handcrafted" sousaphone that is a marvelous playing horn. I forget if it was a Martin or Beuscher however. It is a big sousa with a heavy bell. I wouldn't want to march a long parade with the thing on my shoulder however.

ken k

[ken k]

I have a high opinion of Martin tubas. This one has a great sound and a nice compact wrap. It would make a great "project tuba" for someone. As I have a new horn and can't keep two this one will be offered for sale soon. Stay tuned!

Frank

[img]<a><img%20src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u63/ ... sting"></a>[/img]

[img]<a><img%20src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u63/ ... sting"></a>[/img]

wow I will definitely stay tuned!

ken k

[Paul Scott]

Martin did make the instruments with the "Handcraft" designation.