FS: 1970's B&S Symphonie F tuba **SOLD**

[Dan Castillo]

Hey everybody!

For sale here is a very special horn, my 1970’s era B&S “Symphonie” F Tuba.

Gold brass, six valves, with a bell kranz. I don’t know a lot about the history of this horn, except that the previous owner was a tuba player who’s first name was “Kelly” and that he played in the Colorado Springs Symphony. That orchestra would later fold, then be reborn as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. I bought this instrument, which was in pretty rough shape at the time, from his widow, who was selling it on consignment through Kolacny Music in Denver.

It has some squirrely pitch things, like most F tubas do. Definitely not “plug in and play”, but if you put in the work you’ll be rewarded. The sound is really nice. Especially in the middle and upper range. If you are interested in this horn, you probably already know that this is how it goes with these.

$7,000 firm

Pictures here: https://www.dropbox.com/sc/2hj4h22x056m ... qZAFv__b5a" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

Contact me at dan_c4 (at) yahoo.com

F.A.Q.

Isn’t that price a little high?

I know everyone likes to haggle, but this horn is really special to me and I’m not going to let it go very easily. About a month ago, there was a five valve one on the board for about 6. Maybe a year ago, I heard about one like this one selling for around 8. These instruments are uncommon, and I think it’s fair.

Are you interested in a trade?

No. Reason I’m selling is that this poor thing just gathers dust around here. I’ve been too busy trying to make a living these days to pursue my “tuba career” very much. Don’t want to trade it for another horn that will also just gather dust. It needs to be in the hands of someone who will play it more. This instrument needs to be heard!

What’s with the coins?

A previous owner had those attached. I never even notice they are there, though they could probably be removed pretty easily by a repair person.

Any custom work?

When I bought the horn it needed a little mini overhaul. Alan Harvey, of the Wyoming Symphony and Cheyenne Symphony, built a new linkage for it. That must have been about eight years ago now. It’s held up really well. Someone also put a thumb pull ring on the fourth valve slide for if you want to move it during playing.

How can I get this horn?

We drive! I’m willing to drive several hours to meet you. Just ask, and we can try and figure something out. I’m located in Central Florida. If there is a music school or something half way between me and you, that usually works out as a good meet up site.

How can I pay?

I would prefer cashier’s check.

Send any other questions to my email. You may PM me on the board, but I don’t check that as frequently.

[Dan Castillo]

Bump!

[Dan Castillo]

Hey Joe,

We have met once before. We were in the same preliminary group at the Milwaukee Symphony audition in summer of 2005. We had a short conversation in the warm up room. If you know anybody who wants it, let them know soon, because I have to fight a strong desire to make this post disappear about once a day. It's bad when you know you will one day regret selling.

Fact remains that I really don't have the time to play much anymore, and my "non-tuba life plans" could really use the cash infusion. There will be no price lowering. As you may be able to tell, if it doesn't sell, that is also fine with me.

When I mentioned a few pitch issues, I was referencing a few lower notes involving fourth valve. However, I've had a lot of success in the past when I keep this horn clean on the inside (which really does seem to have an effect on how that low register plays), and remember to not play it like a CC tuba (which does not work at all). That c you mentioned is definitely not a problem. In fact, most everything in the staff and above is pretty spot on.

[Dan Castillo]

Currently working out arrangements with a buyer, so for now I will say this horn is "On Hold".

I appreciate the kind words in this thread, and the interest from various people around the country in this horn!

***UPDATE*** Horn is sold.