Sander Tuba

[J.c. Sherman]

Don't touch that 4th!

I have had the privilege of playing Sam Green's Sander, and it's remarkable. In every manner. Yes, the 4th valve is a 2-step slide, and the 5th valve (for the left hand) is a perfect 4th. It's seen a LOT of use, but when carefully and lovingly lubed up, it is an astonishing handmade instrument.

It's the most free-blowing CC I've played by a long margin... it's basically completely free of resistance. The sound is in many ways very "American" despite its manufacture. The sound is somewhat like a vintage Conn, I'd say, but with a very flexible timbre for whatever you're playing. Unbelievable craftsmanship, and it shows obvious influence over Marzan styled instruments. There's a great deal of "proto-Marzan" about the Sander.

Each of the Sanders is handmade... it's obvious when you look closely at each. And the 2-step 4th makes for a very in-tune scale with many possibilities. Sam's instrument is positively diabolical on low F!

Repair and enjoy, or send it to me >: ) I'd hurt people for this instrument.

[sailracer90]

There isnt a 5th valve on this guy... just four. but yeah, the low range on it is beastly, it sounds beautiful, gotta fix the alignment on the 3rd and 4th too, corks are a total pain in the ***, but ill get it, haha, i do like this horn.

[sailracer90]

More info on the horn, apparently it was played in the first Eastman Wind Ensemble or something like that. The horn is close to, maybe over 100 years old. There is also a seam on every inch of the horn, thats a lot of hammering...

[Stephen Shoop]

While compiling information for my article about Fred Geib, Herb Wekselblatt (Geib's final student at Juilliard who went on to a long and distinguished career as the Principal tuba player in the New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) told me that Mr. Geib (a August Helleberg student) imported Sander tubas, making them available to his students for purchase. I believe Mr. Green was also a student at Juilliard during this same general time period (late 1940s until the time of Mr. Geib's passing in 1950). Mr. Wekselblatt made it clear that these instruments are not to be confused with "Sanders," tubas manufactured by Cerveny.

[jeopardymaster]

Herb Wekselblatt (Geib's final student at Juilliard who went on to a long and distinguished career as the Principal tuba player in the New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) told me that Mr. Geib (a August Helleberg student) imported Sander tubas, making them available to his students for purchase. I believe Mr. Green was also a student at Juilliard during this same general time period

Sam studied at Juilliard until I think '43 when he won the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra job. He would have been 23 at that time. Sam told me that Herb W had a Sander BBb. Not his only horn, I expect, but from what Sam said it would have been his favorite. Is Herb still with us?

[sailracer90]

Thanks for all the help. Playin on the cerveny while the school takes care of the slowish rotors. Just waitin for that to be fixed. Cant wait to try it out when its completely done and in perfect condition. Thats gonna be great

[Bessontubaplayer]

very nice tuba !