Looking for advice about selling Martin sousaphone

[Teri]

Hi,
My friend's husband died recently, and she wants to sell his sousaphones. She says one is a Martin from the 1930s, and isn't sure about the other. I offered to do a little research for her, and found this forum and some past posts.

I was hoping you all could give me advice about what information I need to collect, what and how I should measure, and what pictures I should take. I'm a french horn player, so sousaphones are unfamiliar territory for me.

Thank you all,
Teri

[largobone]

Good things to note:
Material of the body and the bell (ie. fiberglass, lacquer, silver plate, etc.)
Diameter of the bell
Bore size-not sure where to measure from (if you have calipers)
Make sure to include a pic of the valves, showing wear
Note all necks and bits included, as well as case/mouthpiece and accessories
Any missing parts of course-check for bell screws, neck screw, spit valves, springs
Stuck slides or valve caps/buttons, stuff like that

Pictures:
Whole thing from a few angles
closeup on any significant dents and/or dings
significant plating wear or if lacquered, lacquer loss
Valves for wear
Condition of the bell
Accessories, if any

Make sure you post something here when you're ready to sell.

PS I'm sorry for your loss.

[opus37]

Where are you located? There maybe a tuba expert near by who could help you with the assessment of the horns.

[Teri]

Thank you to everyone. I'm in Pennsylvania. I'll post more information as soon as I get it.

[koterbski]

Sorry to hear about your loss as well as the loss of a tuba player in this world, sometimes heaven needs tuba players to even the sound out with harps and choirs!

[Tubadork]

Paul Scott is a Martin expert, a great player, person and teacher AND he is in New Jersey.

[Teri]

Sorry it's been a while since I've checked in. Thank you all again for the kind words and advice. I should have information to post on one soon. However, I think this one is a York brand. I'll put all the info in a new listing when I get it.

[Teri]

The first Martin is in my garage now. I haven't checked out the condition yet, but hope to do so before the weekend. Thanks for all your help.