Help to identify a 6/4 tuba

[Lamim Tubas]

Hi guys!

I have played in this tuba once. It has a great sound. But I haven't been able to identify it.





The owner claims it to be a Conn, but I thought it was King. No clue for the model though.

[bort]

It's a King body, with a homemade bell... which appears to be made from a sousaphone bell. Those old Kings are neat, and rare. Very interesting that one ended up in Brazil!

[Lamim Tubas]

I have found a King model that is very similar.



Everything is in the same place, except for that top second slide and tubing that goes all the way down.

You're right about the bell. We usually modify the recording bell, or in this case maybe a Sousa's.

[Dan Schultz]

King 1291.... Looks like a .750" bore. As others have pointed out... the bell is not original but the tenon is probably 7 1/8". These were referred to as 'monster' basses. The last ones were built in the early 40's.

[Mikelynch]

Actually, I'm pretty sure it's not a King body. While the spatulas and some tube routing looks similar, there is a similar configuration out there. I once bought a horn represented to be, and looking like, a rotary King. But when I got it, it clearly was not, though it had general similarities in appearance. And it did not play anywhere like a King (and I returned it). If I figure out how to post images, I can post a comparison.

On the pictured instrument, the ferrules do not look like King originals to me (Dan--what do you think?), in addition to some more subtle differences in the valve tubing (the 4th valve tubing, not too subtle). There would also seem to be minimal motivation to reroute the 4th valve tubing to a less-convenient location.

[Dan Schultz]

Actually, I'm pretty sure it's not a King body... On the pictured instrument, the ferrules do not look like King originals to me (Dan--what do you think?).....

I'm confused, Mike! At first glance I thought it was a King 1291 but I'm not so sure now that I've taken a 2nd look. The ferrules definitely ARE NOT the same as the 1291 I had. Those ferrules were hand-made from flat stock and had no carving or beading. The bell flanges are definitely Conn but could have just been 'stuck on there'.

The valve section looks like King.

I would like a few more details like the bore... bell collar ID... and some better images of the braces.