Tubas, euphoniums, mouthpieces, and anything music-related.
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bloke wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 6:24 am
“The TFFJ recommending absolutely every make and model of tuba ever made” is always worth a smile.
That having been said, I suspect that part of the incessant tuba swapping can be credited to spending twice as much as needs to be spent to get something that plays, but half as much as what’s required to get something extraordinary.
""What exists" vs. "what is acceptable" vs. "what is really good" can be very different things. "What is affordable" is altogether something different. At least the boy will know what exists (the idea behind my list). He will have to discover those instruments that meet his definition of "good enough" and "affordable," and we'll be along for that journey.
He didn't ask me, but if he did, I'd tell him to play the hell out of the 20J while saving his @$$ off for a really exceptional Holton, Martin, or York (or something not MUSA that fits the "really good" criteria, maybe a Piston Fafner , Wessex Prokofiev or a Gronitz PBK). But he didn't ask me, so I will wait until he does.
Ooh, I can do the question and answer all in one sentence now!
Hey Doc, if it were up to you, what would your approach be okay thanks for the suggestions that does sound like a good idea.
And honestly, I'd be pretty open to that idea IF I CAN FIND AN UPRIGHT BELL FOR THE 20J. Not easy to find, but I know they exist!
Have you inquired with Lee Stofer about upright bells?
If I run across one around here (happens occasionally), I'll let you know.
Doc wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 9:33 am
Have you inquired with Lee Stofer about upright bells?
If I run across one around here (happens occasionally), I'll let you know.
Lee said something like "If you find two, I'll buy the other!" I've asked everyone I can think of, plus a few more. Crickets. Even asked BAC, who bought the Kanstul tooling, and they replied to say that they have no plans to build tuba bells, in either the near or distant future.
Doc wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 9:33 am
Have you inquired with Lee Stofer about upright bells?
If I run across one around here (happens occasionally), I'll let you know.
Lee said something like "If you find two, I'll buy the other!" I've asked everyone I can think of, plus a few more. Crickets. Even asked BAC, who bought the Kanstul tooling, and they replied to say that they have no plans to build tuba bells, in either the near or distant future.
If you were on FB, you could ask Wesley Wolters if he'd sell the 20J lacquered upright bell he's using for a Raincatcher Sousaphone bell separately. Not sure he'd sell it though, it's really nice.
Doc wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 9:33 am
Have you inquired with Lee Stofer about upright bells?
If I run across one around here (happens occasionally), I'll let you know.
Lee said something like "If you find two, I'll buy the other!" I've asked everyone I can think of, plus a few more. Crickets. Even asked BAC, who bought the Kanstul tooling, and they replied to say that they have no plans to build tuba bells, in either the near or distant future.
Hmm.... They bought all the tooling, but have no plans to use it... WTH? Then why buy it? That makes no sense, and it helps no one.
One will show up somewhere. Just have to keep looking...
Sorry, the exact BAC quote was "We are not making low brass bells now or in the distant future. "
And the guy was VERY nice about it and kind to share such direct and not get your hope up information. I'm guessing the deal was like "if you wanna buy the trumpet-making stuff, you've gotta take all the rest, too..."
bort2.0 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 18, 2021 11:05 am
Sorry, the exact BAC quote was "We are not making low brass bells now or in the distant future. "
And the guy was VERY nice about it and kind to share such direct and not get your hope up information. I'm guessing the deal was like "if you wanna buy the trumpet-making stuff, you've gotta take all the rest, too..."
Fair enough. He had to buy a package deal. But damn... it's a shame someone can't get the tuba tools and make bells and other replacement parts?
I wouldn't be so bold as to hope someone would buy the tooling and try to build on and perfect what Kanstul tried to do with making actual tubas, but a fella can dream.
While of course on some level i knew better, i am still just a tad disappointed to see this thread is about big tubas with pistons rather than tubas with big pistons...
Still, given a type of piston, its size is usually proportional to the bore, so even that isn't wrong, just well, a different focus.
That is one of the the things that make Conn short action wicked cool.
I don't suppose there are any BBb berliner pumpen tubas out there?
Thought Criminal
Mack Brass Artiste
TU422L with TU25
1964 Conn 36k with CB Arnold Jacobs
Accent (By B&S) 952R with Bach12
The Fourth Estate is the Fifth Column
, Wessex Prokofiev or a Gronitz PBK). But he didn't ask me, so I will wait until he does.
