Hi everybody! Can you help me identify this tuba?

[tubalooney]

Can anybody identify this tuba for me?
It's in Eb bore is apparently 16mm or .630, 33" high and the bell diameter 14"
There is no name on the bell.. but to my perhaps un-tutoured eye the way the valves are organised looks to me like a Conn set up.
It's for sale in Germay and looks quite tempting.
Thanks for any help
Cheers
Phillip

[Dan Schultz]

Willson. I have one here currently undergoing minor surgery. The one here is also engraved 'Marzan' on the bell even though the main slide is in the conventional location (on the bottom).

[tubalooney]

Hello Dan,
thanks for your professional opinion.
If it's a Wilson and it seems to be in good condition I think I will definitely be tempted. After all Wilson tubas have a great reputation. I almost bought a Wilson 3200 FA 5 XL before settling on my Melton 2250. In your view is there anything I should look out for?
Thanks for your very kind help,
Cheers
Phillip

[Dan Schultz]

Here is the Willson EEb I have here in the shop. The leadpipe is off but you can see that the two horns have the same characteristics.

[tubalooney]

Hello Dan,
that's a super photo. It's bizarre that there is no maker's marks on the tuba. I wonder did the miltary prefer unmarked tubas perhaps?
I have, by the way just acquired a lovely Conn 34 J Grand Orchestra BBb from 1921 and with comparing it to my other tubas a bore of 20.25 - 20.5mm.
It is awaiting some work as it is a bit low, has one or two dings and there are a few tuning issues! It is however a wonderful tuba to play I have never heard such a resonant low register and I tried out a Miraphone Siegfried recently in Germany! I'm taking it to my local repair shop here in Switzerland run by Renée Hagmann who invented a rotary valve for the trombone. Hopefully he will be able to sort things out. But I might get back to you if it's OK with you and if you have any experience of these great tubas!
Thanks very much for your help
kindest regards
Phillip

[bigbob]

How about a little horn dorn on your 34J G.O.???Thanks..BB

[tubalooney]

Hello all,
yes I bought the Conn of Tim in th U.K. and brought it back to Switzerland.
I'll post some photos when I have a moment.
It's has the most imposing bottom register I have ever encountered and a very sweet top register. I have a few things to check out. The valve stems are way too tall, I'm not sure that the valves are correctly seated and the lead pipe has been changed numerous times and needs to be looked at. That will be all attended to as well as a clean up, straightening out of one or two dents and perhaps re-laquer the bell whose gold wash has faded slightly. For the moment I'm just getting to know it playing scales and studies and plenty of exploring.
I'll keep those interested updated.
Cheers
Phillip