Old rotor tuba cheap, v.2.0

[Heavy_Metal]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20th-Century-Up ... 43c40aebdb" target="_blank

Markneukirchen?

[Dan Schultz]

Not as old as one might think B & S/VMI 101. Generally very good horns.

[Heavy_Metal]

Yup- thought so but I'd never seen that paddle style on one.

For those not familiar, this is the same horn as those with the various stencil names- Crown, Carl Wunderlich, Musica, Sonora etc- that we've talked about in various threads. It would be worth fixing up if one can get it for the right price.

[Levaix]

Only one valve moving freely... If it weren't for that I might put in a bid.

[Heavy_Metal]

That wouldn't stop me, if I didn't already have one of these horns. Allow for the cost of taking it to the shop when you bid. The result could be a very good horn at a very good overall price.

Of course I live near Baltimore Brass, which like Mid-South, Dillon's, Village Tinker and many others, is a very good shop. I suppose I'm spoiled as a result

It's up to $251.00 at the moment.

[Minkrott]

I bought this and pick it up tomorrow. I have an old GBH mouthpiece with a larger shank that I am hoping fits well. As far as the stuck rotors, I was planning on spraying them with WD40 for a couple of days before working to free them. Is there a better penetrant that I should use? I have some PB rusty bolt penetrant, but the fumes are overwhelming.

[Tubajug]

Keep us posted! Not a bad deal for less than $500 I think...It all depends on how much work is involved to get it playable again!

[Heavy_Metal]

Not sure what size MP shank they used when this was made, but my Sonora takes a standard American shank. You might find you don't need one with a larger shank. Let us know how you make out!

[Minkrott]

I made a 3.5 hour round trip, and got home two hours ago with my new B&S tuba. It takes the bigger GBH mouthpiece. I blew on the horn, and it leaked so much that I couldn't get a note out of it. I was hoping it just needed oil and corks. The valves were not frozen, but we're difficult to turn because the oil was dried like wax. I spent 30 minutes oiling valves and slides and trimming the water key cork. I put the mouthpiece in and played a note. I could not believe my ears. What a beautiful sound. I love it! It's definitely a keeper. Thanks everyone for your input. I would never have bought this without tubenet input.

[Dan Schultz]

Bravo! Another tuba saved from recycle hell!

[The Big Ben]

Actually looks pretty good and if you are happy with the sound, you made a screamin' deal! A little attention to the bell to make it more presentable and you'll be good to go.

[Heavy_Metal]

This is why we're on TubeNet!

When you get everything straightened out, post some "After" pics. We'd love to see it!

[Tubajug]

Were the leaks just from the dried up oil? And once you got it oiled the leaks were gone? Nice!

[Minkrott]

Actually looks pretty good and if you are happy with the sound, you made a screamin' deal! A little attention to the bell to make it more presentable and you'll be good to go.

The bell is quite thin. I straightened the bends by hand, and worked it with a rolling pin. It's not perfect, but not too noticeable now.

[Minkrott]

Were the leaks just from the dried up oil? And once you got it oiled the leaks were gone? Nice!

Yes, the water cork was crumbling and the oil sealed the rotor gaps. My embouchure in the bigger mouthpiece may have affected the sound also.

I am working to free the third slide, fix the fourth sticky rotor, and straighten the paddle braces. I also need new corks on the water key and rotor bumpers. Once that is done, it will be ready for community band when we resume in February.

[Pat S]

Sounds like a worthy project. Agree that "after" pix are a must!

[Tubajug]

Excellent! Even if someone had to pay for shipping, that still would have been a great deal. Even better that you could pick it up! Congrats!

[Minkrott]

Not as old as one might think B & S/VMI 101. Generally very good horns.

So how old is this horn, and what is it worth in playing condition?

[Heavy_Metal]

Have you found the serial number? Often these are stamped into the mouthpiece receiver.......

[Minkrott]

There is no number on the receiver or receiver ring. There is a "2" stamped on the receiver brace where it meets the receiver, and a "1" stamped on each of the rotor casings.

The reason I am asking what it is worth is because it plays flat with the main slide pushed in. It's the same with a Bach 18 mouthpiece. The 3rd and 4th rotors are slightly out of alignment. I can barely lip it up. I don't know if cleaning and rotor adjustment will fix that, or how much I should limit repair costs to a technician.

Here's one that sold for a grand on eBay 2 weeks ago. http://www.ebay.com/itm/GERMAN-BBb-BRAS ... 7675.l2557" target="_blank . It has better lacquer, a name, and bell wring. I'm thinking I need to stay under $500 total investment.