What's the life expectancy of a tuba?

[Peach]

Let's say you buy a new tuba tomorrow. How long might you expect it to last (obviously depending on a number of variables)?

Am I right in thinking you can't keep overhauling horns again and again because of work-hardening, buffing etc etc?

[trseaman]

There are tons of old horns that are well over 100 yrs old and in great shape. Many more exist that could be restored if so desired or motivated to do so. I would say that if you buy a new horn it should last all of your life and then some... We're talking about the horn and not you. Playing preferences, upcoming gigs or many other factors may change your need to have or maintain a horn over your lifetime.

My opinion of course... Anyone else want to chime in???

Tim

[windshieldbug]

I've got horns that were made in the 1870's and earlier, including some that I used quite regularly.

I don't think the metal is so much of an issue as your treatment of it!

[AndyL]

I frequently play a 1925 Conn in community bands. Dents have been removed, but the finish is unrestored. The valves were overhauled in spring 2006, and I expect the horn will be playing for many more years.

An instrument that is properly maintained and not handled roughly should last for decades, IMHO.

[imperialbari]

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[Chuck(G)]

Depends on a lot.

A St. Pete 201N in a public middle school ("Honest, it just fell over by itself!")--3-5 years, tops.

[Dan Schultz]

The newest horn I have was built in the 60's. Some of my oldest horns are over 100 years old. Under normal circumstances, work-hardening is not an issue. I am not a beleiver in the 'overhauling' of horns. One thing that will ruin a horns is frequent buffing and constant polishing as it does nothing but remove metal. Replating of piston valves is something one might expect if a horn is played every day for many years but with proper lubrication and frequent cleaning, any horn should last a person a lifetime. About the only thing that will require attention on rotary horns is the linkage might get noisy but that's a pretty easy fix. Keep it clean and lubricated and a horn will last a very long time.

[Uncle Buck]

You've asked two questions - one about the life expectancy of a horn, and one about how many times you can overhaul an instrument.

As long as there is no denting or damage that has to be repaired, the life expectancy can be extremely long. Decades of use would make a valve replating necessary, though.

Your question about overhauls implies denting and damage. I'm not an expert on this, but I assume that dents can only be removed from the same piece of metal a certain number of times before the metal loses some of its important qualities.

[Dan Schultz]

My horn was built in the mid-60s. It's a Miraphone 186 BBb and it plays beautifully. However, it's out of commission until Winter Break because the second and fourth valves collapsed.

Can you explain what happened to the 2nd and 4th valves?

[GC]

I'm using an 1864 Hall & Quimby Eb side-rotor horn that still plays well (though intonation is a real chore), and an 1880's (we think) Biltmore Bros Eb that plays like a decent modern horn.

If a horn isn't beaten up, is kept oiled, and kept away from corrosives, it can probably last a couple of centuries in good playing condition. It just won't be pretty after a few decades; a lot of beautifying overhauls can actually shorten its lifespan.

[BVD Press]

I'm using an 1864 Hall & Quimby Eb side-rotor horn that still plays well (though intonation is a real chore)

I am jealous, but I do get to play one each Summer is a Civil War Band. They are amazing horns and although intonation is intere sting, the tone and playability of the horns is wonderful!