Tuba Repair/Build questions

[Salazarsam33]

Hello fellow Tubanetters,

i was wondering if i could get some advice from the group of skilled tubists in the area of repairs (Bloke, Villagetinker, and countless others).

There is an old Conn 3J at mys school, not complete garbage, but it hasnt been used in years(10ish). Story goes that one of the music teachers dropped, bent and then lost one piston while trying to oil it. My school is renewing their inventory and since im one of the only tubists at the conservatory they asked me if i would consider purchasing it before they sold it to some other person.

since I have zero knowledge about repairs or remaking parts, my question is..

can I find another valve that would work for this tuba, is there a repairman that can make one from scratch, or do i have to order(find and purchase) a new piston??

If yes to any of the above, how much money would it cost, its a fine looking horn and is still pretty intact. they asked 300$ for it, but i dont know how much more i would have to put into it.


Thank you very much im sure

[TheGoyWonder]

Not inconceivable that a 5J piston would work. It seems like it should work that away, but I'd only give it 1:3 odds. Hope you find the answer!

[roweenie]

If the 3J is the same set as the 5J (which I think it is), you should have no problem acquiring a piston.

If it's the same as the 2J or 4J, not so easy to do.

[Dan Schultz]

Isn't the 3J the CC version of the 4J (BBb) tuba?

If so... good luck finding pistons for that one!

As far as having a piston made for the horn... There is a fellow in Omaha who can probably create a piston for $300-$400. Actually not a bad investment to save a horn.

[Matt Walters]

Pass on the tuba. Have them contact Matt at dillonmusic dot com to buy it on the cheap. I'll order a brand new piston from a Conn 5J, install it and re-sell the tuba at a profit. Might even keep the tuba.

If you are not an idiot, send me a picture of the entire tuba and then a close-up of the valve section. I'll tell you for sure if you have a 3J there. Tell me what you can buy it for and I'll tell you if it is a good deal or not.