York 6/4 CC

[Himes]

For sale is a 6/4 J.W. York and Sons tuba, converted to a front action CC by Bob Rusk. This instrument was formerly owned by Mark Wolfe of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and was cut at his request. The body was discovered -- as an unused-and-in-poor-condition top-action BBb -- in a Hollywood movie trunk, and given new life through this conversion process. Mr. Wolfe used the instrument for many years in his professional career.

Over the past ten years, I have used this instrument in all settings through two university degrees, and into my professional career. It is a surprisingly nimble 6/4 horn, and I have used it as a solo instrument, in bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles. Of course, it is most at home when sitting in an orchestra or band.

Intonation is surprisingly good, and certainly workable. There are no ‘crazy’ problems that sometimes occur with cut horns. Tendencies are within normal range and quite predictable. Slots are wide and “lipping” pitches into place is an easy option without loss of tone quality. All slides move easily.

Response is extremely quick; this 6/4 tuba plays like some 4/4 tubas. Of course, the tone is a classic “York” sound. Valves are 100% (no wear/leaking/etc.).

The finish shows significant wear (see photos), as might be expected given the history of the tuba. She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts.

The instrument is located in central Pennsylvania. I am willing to drive a fair distance for interested purchasers to try the tuba, and am willing to meet a purchaser to avoid shipping the horn (though I will ship it at buyer’s instructions, risk, and expense).

This sale includes a black leather Cronkhite gig bag (purchased when Mr. Cronkhite was still making the bags himself), and an old - but functional - Walt Johnson flight case.

Asking price is $11,000. I will consider all offers - feel free to make one.

Please email

himes DOT aaron AT gmail DOT com

with questions or inquiries.

Thanks for reading!

Additional Photos:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sxrEQaK01l9tpsr6Y6DsX8hBAxBqHWUN?usp=sharing

[Mark Finley]

I knew Mark, and I've heard this horn in person. It's phenomenal, and I wish I could justify buying it


Good luck with the sale

[Mark Finley]

Quick story....

22 years ago or so I auditioned for the Shreveport symphony. For a small symphony there were some big names there, including Ev Gilmore. Most of us were standing outside the hall when Mark played, and we all looked at each other and knew it was over at that point. He had the job.

He was a great player, and yes, he was playing that York

RIP Mark

[Mark Finley]

Omg

My wife just gave me the blessing to buy this horn, just based on what we heard 22 years ago.

Even with permission, I just can't justify it. Not when I only play in a symphony 4 concerts a year.

[Himes]

Mark:

Thanks for the luck and the story! I've heard a few similar ones about Mr. Wolfe and this horn over the years. You've already cleared the biggest hurdle (your wife said yes!), so let me know if you change your mind!

[Doc]

Omg

My wife just gave me the blessing to buy this horn, just based on what we heard 22 years ago.

Even with permission, I just can't justify it. Not when I only play in a symphony 4 concerts a year.

Oh... but what concerts they would be! And that would be just one more reason to drive up and hang out. Test Finley's York and hear him play it in concert.

Or maybe I could buy it, and you could borrow it... Hmm... Maybe I could sell our camper...?

[Mark Finley]

I should probably add I've never actually played the horn, so my glowing excitement is based just on hearing Mark play. Take that for what you will as far as how the horn might respond in all registers.

[Adam Peck]

I've played it and it's a really nice tuba....quite responsive and fun to play !

[Alex C]

Omg

My wife just gave me the blessing to buy this horn, just based on what we heard 22 years ago.

May I say that with $11k, your options for a 6/4 tuba are huge and every tuba player you know would suggest you look at all the options before buying a big tuba.

[Mark Finley]

I'm not really in the market, I just thought it was cool that my wife gave me permission

[Cthuba]

Whole heartedly agree with Adam. Very nice tuba!

[Alex C]

I'm not really in the market, I just thought it was cool that my wife gave me permission

Well, that is cool. A woman who understands is a rare thing.

[Mark Finley]

I'm not really in the market, I just thought it was cool that my wife gave me permission

Well, that is cool. A woman who understands is a rare thing.

Yeah, I have a good one, She's given her blessing on some big purchases in the last year, so I think I'm done buying stuff for a while. We're saving up for a big anniversary trip in 2 years. She deserves it for putting up with me for decades

[Himes]

Bump.

[ssbolas]

Beautiful horn!

[Himes]

Bump. Offers considered; price is negotiable.

[hubert]

Just another approach to justify the purchase, Mark: you should play it every day for your wife (a nice serenade like Schuberts Staendchen e.g.) and besides that about 4 times a year in concert.....
Best,
Hubert

[Oldschooltuba]

Mark you can borrow mine and show her

[ssbolas]

I am surprised that this horn has not been picked up yet!

[bort]

A lot of options in the 6/4, $11,000 range. All have their benefits, and every tuba will eventually find it's person.