Buescher Jumbo Sousaphone-needs work SOLD

[Art Hovey]

I have had a Buescher Jumbo in my attic for almost 50 years. (It had probably been in the attic of the store for another 50 years.) It would be good a project for a big guy with spare time, tools, and moderate skill. I bought it thinking I could harvest parts from it for my helicon, but it turned out to be bigger.

Photos are here:
https://app.box.com/s/ecdmz5c26nbpg1nlgwubkxmgx0wrf139" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

The serial number is 254401. The bell diameter is 30 inches. (Most sousaphone bells are 26 inches.) The diameter where the bell connects to the body is 9 inches. (On most sousaphones it is 6 to 7 inches.) The pistons are worn, but they move freely. They would be ok with a thicker valve oil. Their stems and buttons are missing. The main tuning slide is also missing. I believe that replacements could be improvised. The outside diameter of the missing slide tubes is 2.0 cm. (The valve slide tubing is the same size.) The outer tubes of the missing main slide are 1.8 cm apart. The second valve slide can be pulled out, but the others are stuck. Two of the bell retaining screws are present but the third one is missing. A gooseneck and tuning bits will also be needed. I believe that the biggest job will be smoothing out the bell.

If it is ever fixed up it will be a rare and valuable instrument, but it's not worth much right now. I am willing to spend time finding a box, packing it carefully, and sending it off from Connecticut for $200 plus whatever the shipping cost turns out to be.

[Heliconer]

Pm sent.

[tubadoctor]

Pm also sent.