Conn "Continental" Tuba

[Bob Bigalard]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/for/5239034729.html" target="_blank

Anyone know anything about this particular model? Do they play well? Is this a good deal?
Thanks

[imperialbari]

Eb or BBb?

[Bob Bigalard]

Eb or BBb?

Says "Bb" on the post, but it's hard to tell from the picture...

[Bob Kolada]

Mid size Eb.

[TheGoyWonder]

Looks just like a 14J Director Eb. Pretty small, .625" bore and 16" bell of mostly flare. Price is out-to-lunch high, Taylor Music sells 14Js already restored for $700.

[Donn]

I don't know the seller, but I'm reasonably confident that if he says it's Bb, it's Bb. That would be good, inasmuch as a contrabass tuba is more usable with 3 valves than a bass tuba, but ... if it's for you, you really need to go over there and find out by playing it. It might be junk, it might be a fabulous player. Whether it's worth $900 depends on where it is in that spectrum. If I had to make a bet ... I would say, why do I have to make a bet like that, is this EBay or something?

[imperialbari]

A seller of a tuba, which was definitely in Eb, once maintained it was in BBb, because:

When I blow an open note, it is a Bb!

Klaus

[windshieldbug]

Maybe it's just an Eb with a "Continental kit"

[Biggs]

I have an Eb Conn Continental (in lacquer) with a 1940s serial number. Lacquer was worn, but structurally in great condition. Paid $150. It takes a small shank mouthpiece and plays pretty well, though not ideally and definitely, based on how infrequently I play it, not worth $900.

Based on my experience with a similar tuba, I wouldn't pay $900 for this tuba. But, do you need a small Bb tuba? My Continental has been played outside my home <25 times, and always in situations where I could have used another tuba. Assuming this one is similar to mine in size, it's easy to stand and play comfortably, if that is something you might be doing.

[roweenie]

It's a shame to see something like that done to a 1959 Chevrolet.....

[iiipopes]

It's a shame to see something like that done to a 1959 Chevrolet.....

Yes, but then again, it does remedy the notorious "tail lift" these models had at high speed.