My Martin Update

[edsel585960]

Looks good! If I ever get up Jacksonville way sure would love to see it in person.

[tubazach07]

Update on the Martin. According to the serial number my Martin was made in 1934. Brought it back to Tom's and found that the 3rd valve stem was shorter then the rest of the other valve stems. We made some adjustments to the stem and was able to get a very accurate valve alignment which really makes this beast play great. Apparently having one short valve stem can be a common occurrence with the Martins. We also took the bottom bow guard guard off and reshaped it. The bow guard guard was practically flat and falling off the bow guard. Now the bow and bow guard will be better protected.

I contacted Matt Walters at Dillon and found out that an very old ex Navy tuba player sold him the Martin. Apparently the Navy tuba player used it while he was in the service. He sold it to Matt many years ago and Matt is fuzzy on the details. He doesn't know if it was a Navy bought Martin or his personal. I think it was his personal tuba. There are no USN markings on the tuba and the Navy only used Martin's from 1950-1956 if I am correct. Either way it is great to be able to return this beautiful American made tuba back to Naval service. Well more like reserve service since I only use the Martin on wind ensemble gigs and outside Ceremonial band gigs. Those 2 piece wood cases are too heavy to using everyday even with a folding dolly.

Big thanks to Tom for all his work and friendship and thank you to Matt for digging up some history on my Martin.

[roweenie]

Hmmm....that bell looks vaguely familiar....

Beautiful horn! They are great players - best of luck to you with it!!

[Lee Stofer]

Zach,
That is a Kanstul Martin reproduction bell, engraved by Sherry Huntley of Artistic Engraving Inc., then gold-tint lacquered.

[bort]

Lenny Jung?