Info on a Martin BBb?

[Frank Ortega]

This is a 1931 BBb Martin Mammoth Handcraft. And yes, the bell is original. I'm curious about the leadpipe though. I don't think it's original. Did Martin only make the receivers with bits set up for recording bell tubas? Does anyone have a similar Martin Mammoth with one piece, upright bell that they can post pics of?

As you can imagine, it's an awesome instrument!

Thanks for the input,
Frank

[bort]

Frank, is there any room for *people* in your house?

[Tom Coffey]

It does look as though the tubas have all been trained to sit in chairs or on the couch...

[Frank Ortega]

LOL Actually, I'm still looking for a roomate!

Great 3 BR , 2 Bath Apt in Garfield, NJ. $700/mo + 1/2 Util & Cable.

(The tubas have their own room and a pet door to let themselves out.)


Frank

[Bob Kolada]

I'm not so hot on their high valve sections, but that's so cool I almost want to buy your 3 valver!

[Bob Kolada]

Yeah, how'd Paul not get this horn?

[oedipoes]

Fracking sexy..... Really... Makes me want to sell a vital organ...

vital pipe-organ, yeah right...

[iiipopes]

Very, very nice, indeed! But I haven't a clue as to whether that is an original leadpipe. I do know that the single bit for a Martin is different from a Conn or King bit.

[Paul Scott]

The consensus of several Martin enthusiasts is that the leadpipe is not original. Frank may elaborate if he wishes!

[Frank Ortega]

Update:

Went to Paul's to compare this one to his 1940 Martin. Some interesting differences.
He took this pic for me;



The angle of the 4th valve is slightly different and his 3rd valve slide is shorter. Also, mine is missing a brace.

The leadpipe is probably a Conn leadpipe, but seems to play well, so I'm not sure if it's worth it to mar the beautiful Lacquer job for authenticity. Played it in Imperial Brass tonight with very positive feedback.

Here's a comparison photo with Wes Krygsman's Nirschl 6/4 CC;



Thanks for all the input!