If someone wanted to own an antique German BBb that probably is pretty usable, this could be the one. Made about 1900 and it looks as if it was treated well. Valves are constructed like modern french horn valves- string action, rotary valve, same spring on paddle as modern rotary tubas. No 'clock spring" problems. Three of the valve slides are up top if that matters. Looks like euroshank mouthpiece but it comes with a mouthpiece so that might not be a big deal.
Principal tuba, Bel Air Community Band
Old (early 1900s?) Alexander BBb proto-163
1976 Sonora (B&S 101) 4-rotor BBb
1964 Conn 20J/21J BBb (one body, both bells)
~1904 York 3P BBb Helicon
Old Alex Comp.F, in shop
The Big Ben wrote:....same spring on paddle as modern rotary tubas. ....
These springs are far from conventional and not easy to replace. They are wound right onto the paddle after passing a straight piece of wire through a hole in the paddle bar. It's somewhat of an art.
Dan Schultz
"The Village Tinker" http://www.thevillagetinker.com" target="_blank
Current 'stable'... Rudolf Meinl 5/4, Marzan (by Willson) euph, King 2341, Alphorn, and other strange stuff.
The Big Ben wrote:....same spring on paddle as modern rotary tubas. ....
These springs are far from conventional and not easy to replace. They are wound right onto the paddle after passing a straight piece of wire through a hole in the paddle bar. It's somewhat of an art.
Thank you for the correction. Sounds like you have some experience! I'm a two hour drive from Portland, OR but I don't think I'll add an old German tuba to my collection.