B&S Bb - which model?

[tmz1m]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/B-S-Parantucci- ... SwawpXvLbh" target="_blank

Not sure I've seen one with this bell engraving. Any one seen one like this before? What model/history?

[arpthark]

Really does not look like a B&S. Braces and thumb ring plate look more like a MW or something. Interesting.

[tmz1m]

Interesting, thanks. Any comments as to these models and their playability?

[bort]

I've never heard any real complaints about any B&S BBb tubas, frankly.

[arpthark]

Anybody want to chime in about my claim above? The circular thumb ring flange is odd. I've only ever seen B&S instruments with the more decorative flange:



The ebay horn in question also has a two-piece leadpipe, which I haven't seen in a B&S before. Someone please correct or augment my knowledge on this.

[tmz1m]

I sent the seller a message and he said he's the original owner and purchased it from the Tuba Exchange approx 20 years ago. Seems like it would be older than that, but who knows.

[bort]

Might have sat around for a while before it sold?

[toobagrowl]

Really does not look like a B&S. Braces and thumb ring plate look more like a MW or something. Interesting.

I agree. The tuba actually looks like an old-style Meinl-Weston BBb (pre M-W 25), but manufactured in the 1990s. Remember, G. Meinl bought the B&S factory circa 1991, so this tuba could have been assembled at the B&S factory using Meinl parts

My guess from the build and banner-style Perantuccci engraving...

Mid 1980's B&S (pre-unification) of what would be called a "PT-1" (sans kranz) aka, the B&S 3103.

But the B&S PT-1 has a more slender profile, a vertical main tuning slide, different ferrules, different bracing, and different thumb ring than this tuba. This tuba looks like a Meinl-parts tuba possibly assembled at the B&S factory. Notice that it only says "Perantucci" on the bell. The linkage looks fairly modern and the tuba is in excellent condition. But the kranz on the bell makes this tuba almost look like a custom-order tuba Still kinda odd...

[tmz1m]

The seller also says it is a 19.5 bell, whereas the PT-1 has a 19 bell.

[bort]

It looks a lot like this, but not identical. The engraving angle and kranz make me think they were from similar eras:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=47952" target="_blank

I used to own a B&S-made (VMI branded) version of a Meinl Weston 30. It had a Meinl bell and branches, and a B&S valve set. Maybe this is like a MW 25 bell and branches, and a PT-1 valve set?

FWIW, I've never preferred thumb rings that are tucked under 3rd valve tubing like on the Meinl's (or my Willson ). This tuba seems to have the best of both worlds there.

[tmz1m]

Interesting. And the way the bell engraving is on the horn you linked to (slanted, not the text) makes me think you may be right. I wish I was closer so I could try the eBay horn, it may be really good.