SOLD: Mel Culberston "NEPTUNE" 6/4 CC FS

[Mike Forbes]

Greetings all!

I'm selling my Mel Culbertson piston valved, raw brass Neptune 6/4 CC tuba. Asking $8500 or best offer. Easily the best Neptune I've ever played....this one is special, folks. Pitch is not only manageable, but really quite good for big horn like this. The flexibility is amazing, and the ease of playing in all registers: EFFORLESS. Literally, point & shoot playing. The low register is gorgeous, but took me a minute to orient myself to it. This is the piston valved version of this horn and it's raw brass. There have been a few modifications including the removal of some spit keys, an addition of a slide extension lock to the first valve slide (which is well lubricated and will need to move), a longer stem added to the 2nd valve slide (for easier removal or tuning if necessary (B-natural in the staff) and a new tuning slide that's a bit longer than the original to make sure it plays in tune (A440).
All & all, a wonderful big horn that I've used extensively for years. You can hear it being played on the 2nd Isthmus Brass Christmas CD which is called "We Need A Little Christmas" and is available on Spotify, iTunes, etc., and I've used it a fair amount with the Sotto Voce Quartet--though it really isn't best suited for small chamber playing--just an enormous Neptune sound that blends very well in an orchestral or wind band setting, but a bit much for quartet/quintet.

I'm happy to drive it 6 hours or so from Madison, WI to meet you for a trial, etc. If you want me to ship it, you will need to pay for the shipping and the full price up front. I will refund if you decide to return it (return shipping will be your responsibility). Comes with an Altieri gig bag (no hard case). Reason for selling: I'm moving to a YamaYork.

Here's a link to me playing it with the 10-piece brass group, Isthmus Brass:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=559za_0_iJM

Email me for pics and/or videos (can't seem to upload them here). email: sgtforbes@hotmail.com