Do you own a recording bell tuba (not a sousa-con)?

[iiipopes]

Hey, Klaus -- when was this? If it was after 19-inch Sovs became standard, then therein lies the rub. As you also know, a 4-valve comp is not any better with intonation issues for anything using the first three valves than is any other conventional 3 or 4 valve tuba. A three-valve comp, OTOH, if you can give up the "near pedal" range of those few notes below E nat below open BBb, and deal with a couple of stuffy notes, then it is very, very well in tune, indeed.

And so this doesn't get off bass (pun intended) I've also played the recording bell Bessons, both comp and non-comp. the non-comp seem to be more common around here where I live. Great sound, if you can ever figure out a way to see around the large recording bell, which having a low, tight configuration in comparison to the position of the receiver tends to cover at least the right eye of the player, if not sit directly on the forehead.

[bigbob]

I have a large 4/4 1926 York 4 valve fixed recording bell tuba. Its for sale too!

Is that a BBb??and do you know when CC's were first made??So I won't keep asking wether it's a BBb or CCb ?By the way what are you going to ask for your horn?? Into any trading<s>I would love to have a big old CCb horn without trying to change it from BBb.. Thank for any info you can give me....................................................bigbob http://www.rgisculptures.com" target="_blank" target="_blank

[Wyvern]

was dismissive about the horn being inappropriate for a British-type brass band

I can't see it more inappropriate than using any other non-Besson/B&H style 3+1 tuba. One could say at least it was a BBb (as per written part) and not F, or CC as I believe is commonly used within brass bands in the states.

I think he was was just plain rude and you need not reproach yourself at all!

[sloan]

Does it count if I have a Conn 36J with an upright (detachable) bell, but no forward bell?

Some sources I've seen lately claim that both the upright *and* the forward facing bells were called "recording" bells in the sales literature of the time.

It would be nice to acquire a forward bell for the 36J. All of you who are converting to upright bells are welcome to ship your old-fashioned forward bells to me for recycling.

[David Richoux]

Up until a few years ago I did have a monstrous Conn front 4 valve BBb bell-front, but I sold it to Dan Augustine. I used it a lot with the Churchill Street Jazz Band (very San Francisco 2-Beat style) but after I left that band I tended to use Sousaphones or Helicons for out-door gigs and smaller up-bell horns for rehearsals and small gigs.

I am not sure of the exact designation - as I recall, the engraving had a pentagon and a partial female head and torso. It was very heavy with extra braces and scuff plates. I don't think it was a "Jumbo" but it was very large. I was told by the previous owner that it was a mid 1930s custom job for a major circus band, but I cannot prove that.

I got a small hernia after lugging that monster around the Sacrament Jazz Festival one year!

[Dan Schultz]

I have always used a recording bell for Dixieland stuff or just for plain old outdoor 'noisy' gigs when I don't use a sousaphone.

I've noticed slight differences between the open bugles of those horns with recording bells and those with upright bells. The King 1240/41 and 2340/41 tubas have different lengths tuning slides. The recording bell horns have a slide that's totally about 2" longer. On some Mirafones, I've noticed a difference in the length of the 1st branch after the main tuning slide.

While this subject is active... has anyone ever owned a tuba (other than the copper Sander) that CAME FROM THE FACTORY with BOTH an upright and a recording bell?

[bearphonium]

I have a York Master 3 valve, front valves. I love the tone and projection, but really would like a 4th valve on it. It is a fun horn to take to TubaChristmas; never fails to get a lot of comments.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

While this subject is active... has anyone ever owned a tuba (other than the copper Sander) that CAME FROM THE FACTORY with BOTH an upright and a recording bell?

A buddy of mine has a King 1241, that came with both bells.

I am pretty sure that option was a commonly available for the Kings.

[Dan Schultz]

While this subject is active... has anyone ever owned a tuba (other than the copper Sander) that CAME FROM THE FACTORY with BOTH an upright and a recording bell?

A buddy of mine has a King 1241, that came with both bells.

I am pretty sure that option was a commonly available for the Kings.

Interesting. It may well have been an option. I've just never seen it. If you can... check with him to see which main tuning slide he has... one with ferrules about 2" long... or one with ferrules about 1" long. My guess is that he has the short slide. Also... see if the last three numbers of the horn's serial number are stamped on the slide.

[EdFirth]

I had a Marzan four piston one rotary BBb that came with both bells. And they were the same diameter. It was originaly Connie Weldon's horn.Ed

[Rick Denney]

While this subject is active... has anyone ever owned a tuba (other than the copper Sander) that CAME FROM THE FACTORY with BOTH an upright and a recording bell?

My York Master came with both bells.

Rick "but the forward bell still has all its lacquer and is much shinier than the upright bell" Denney

[imperialbari]

My York Master came with both bells.

Rick "but the forward bell still has all its lacquer and is much shinier than the upright bell" Denney

Because the recording bell leads to the cleaner intonation.

Klaus

[tubatooter1940]

I got my 3-valve, top action Eb bellfront 1940 King on E-Bay for cheap. It is old and beat up but so am I.
I love the warm sound and easy false tones I get from the 24 inch recording bell.
Playing in a rock band, it is easy to mike. Outside gigs are rough if the wind pipes up and heads us
toots.

[WakinAZ]

... Some sources I've seen lately claim that both the upright *and* the forward facing bells were called "recording" bells in the sales literature of the time. ...

I have seen "recording" refer to the forward bell about 99% of the time, but sometimes "recording" is used to describe any detachable bell - confusing. I believe the forward bell designation is most correct, since the forward bell horns were used to replace string basses in the early recordings?

Eric "who usually uses the direction of the bell to describe it" L.

[Bob Kolada]

I got my 3-valve, top action Eb bellfront 1940 King on E-Bay for cheap. It is old and beat up but so am I.
I love the warm sound and easy false tones I get from the 24 inch recording bell.
Playing in a rock band, it is easy to mike. Outside gigs are rough if the wind pipes up and heads us
toots.

Denis, you should sell that and get this bad boy (offer them $500! they have free shipping for over 200, I believe) with the main slide or 1st valve slide flipped (that'd fix your F!)-
http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... 61109.aspx
I'm tempted, but I already have 2 90-year old Eb tubas!
You could wear it on a strap, and spin it down when you play trumpet!


If you don't get it, I probably will!

[tubatooter1940]

That front action looks good to me,Bob.
A few years ago I would have jumped at your suggestion but geezerhood and incompetence have taken their toll.
Somebody's gonna get a winner with that nice old horn.
Thanks,
Dennis

[MartyNeilan]

How many YEARS has that horn been on their website?

[b.williams]

I play a King 1241 recording bell tuba. I have way too much fun playing it loud and fast.

[sloan]

How many YEARS has that horn been on their website?

It was originally advertised as "new".

[Dean E]

Here is my bellfront horn, presently awaiting resoldering of the water-key button.

Eb, 3 piston valve, front action, 20" bell, .656" bore, made 1926-27, J.W. York & Sons, Grand Rapids, Michigan