What tuba is this based on?

[sousaphone68]

Any one know what design this Bb tuba is copied from?

[Dan Schultz]

King 1140, I think. I hope the Asians have improved it!

[sousaphone68]

I have an opportunity to acquire one in Ireland in as new condition for less than $300. I was thinking of donating it to the learner class of my town band.
From the above replies I think it will be worth looking at as a starter tuba for an 11 to 12 year old.
Going to see it tomorrow

[sousaphone68]

Thanks for the information if it plays reasonably in tune I will buy it for the learner class.

[Arthur]

Played these as bell front marching horns in college. Actually not bad for that application but as Bloke points out not the most durable of beasts.

[Arthur]

Sorry by "bell front" I meant the convertible model you pictured above played over the shoulder. We rarely set them up as uprights since in our experience it was a pain to get the slide to align right with those two adjustable clamps. We had a a few Miraphone 186s for concert duty. I should know better than to be imprecise with a curmudgeon like you.

[Art Hovey]

I have a student who is using the Dillon version, which is not bad at all for a beginner. He's in high school right now. I wish i could get him onto a larger 4-valve tuba but he is reluctant because he likes what he has and plays it very well. He should qualify for all-state band this year, and I wonder if the small tuba will lose points for him.

[Arthur]

Art, I had a similar experience. Around 10 years ago I bough a little Weril 4 valve front action from Joe to use as a quartet horn and to keep at our summer house to encourage a bit more practice. When my godson moved from jr to sr high he really didn't want to give up the 3 valve he had been playing but after a bit of prompting (and a playing a few duets featuring B naturals) he started to get the hang of the intonation issues. I gave him the horn and he has gotten into every band he has auditioned for in the last 3 years.

Not that Joe needs a mediocre amateur's praise but I will say I bought the horn sight unseen over email and it may well be the best tuba purchase I ever made. Don't tell anyone that though, it will ruin his reputation.

[sousaphone68]

I went ahead and bought it.
Brought it to rehearsal last night and the young player was very happy with it.

[Three Valves]

....and I wonder if the small tuba will lose points for him.

This 3 valve 3/4 prejudice must cease!!

In fact, I'm leading a 3 valve 3/4 tuba Pride event at the St Patrick's Day parade next year.