"The sousaphone this world-class sound."

[windshieldbug]

"FABULOUS COLLECTIBLES"

(just don't try to play them... )

[The Big Ben]

Yow! $300 shipping! They make money even if the customer sends it back.

[Dan Schultz]

I wonder what the ring on the top bow is for.

[windshieldbug]

I wonder what the ring on the top bow is for.

Why, hanging your fabulous collectable!

[tubatom91]

to me it looks as if the leadpipe goes into the wrong side of the valve block...?

[tubaguy9]

I like how the seller has a category of "East Indian Music Instruments"...I think that could be where this comes from
I vote all instruments from this seller go in that category!

[tubatom91]

to me it looks as if the leadpipe goes into the wrong side of the valve block...?

Indeed it does, but it doesn't matter which end the leadpipe goes into the valves, the system still works

I guess so, It's just extreeemely odd to me and off putting

[Donn]

I like how the seller has a category of "East Indian Music Instruments"...I think that could be where this comes from.

For sure - the auction says as much, and these chrome plated Indian tubas have been a familiar sight for years and years. I think one or two Tubenetters have bought one, and have not had particularly glowing reviews, but not recently that I know of and not this particular model. The queerest thing I've seen is a spindly little helicon, and they also have a mid size Eb top valve tuba (used to be part of the British empire, you know.)

I like the solid leadpipe - probably the main difference between sousaphones and other types of tubas is that gnarly collection of bits right about at the most sensitive part of the air way. For all their modest disclaimers, it's probably a world class sound indeed! Well worth hunching over to play.

[Kevin Hendrick]

to me it looks as if the leadpipe goes into the wrong side of the valve block...?

Indeed it does, but it doesn't matter which end the leadpipe goes into the valves, the system still works

I guess so, It's just extreeemely odd to me and off putting

You'll want to steer clear of Yamaha YBB-103s, then ...

[MaryAnn]

I think I already told my Indian transformer story here, which makes an Indian musical instrument purchase "not in this lifetime." Since I'm not getting any younger, if they manage to improve the way the Chinese have, it is still likely to not be in my lifetime.

But the comment about "not cheap fiberglass" makes me ask....did anybody make a fiberglass Eb sousaphone, ever? I wanted a sousie until I tried to play a very nice Eb one and found that there was just no way I would be able to handle the heft of that thing. Still have sousie fantasies but it would have to be a fiberglass Eb. I think I'd have the same problem with a metal helicon; tubas, I can sit on the chair or a stand. Helicons and sousies, have to be on a shoulder that is not designed for that weight.

MA

[tubademon999]

"Beautiful Chrome Plating..."

Wow, I wish I had a chrome plated tuba, must have a great sound.