"mama bear" (hybrid?) King BBb sousaphone

Lew · Post by **Lew** » Sat Jul 09, 2005 9:29 am

I have not seen any references to one with these specs, but King did do custom work on request at one time. I would guess that someone wanted a small bore "Giant" with a standard bell and they just made it. Either that or I'm just full of s--t as usual.

Either way, I'd love to see some photos of it. Is this a privately owned horn?

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:37 am

Maybe the response to a need for a Big A@@ Sousaphone?...

clagar777 · Post by **clagar777** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:47 am

Nice job on the resto! I want it!!

Lew · Post by **Lew** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 8:46 am

Thanks for the photos. Nice job again. I'm surprised that someone's Mom would pay to restore an old sousaphone like this.

I really like the art deco engraving on this. It is the same as on all my King's from that era. I have a silver plated horn from about the same time, but it is a standard 1250 size, and a good portion of the silver plating is worn away.

I have still never seen something like that and have no idea what it may have been. I think that your military guess sounds likely. I guess we will probably never know.

Tabor · Post by **Tabor** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 1:29 pm

That thing is really cool. What a lucky kid, to have a beautiful and, interestingly unusual sousa.

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windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 1:54 pm

Prototype 12xx You didn't just scrap stuff that didn't work out back then...