Last summer, I picked up this 1895 Conn Eb from an estate auction for $30. It was dirty and dreadfully tarnished... But cleaned up quite nicely on the bell and revealed some fantastic engraving, both extensive in length and how "deeply" engraved it is (it's quite noticeable to run your fingers over it, and feel it). At the most basic level, it is playable, but fragile due to the missing braces.
The valves move. Most slides move. Everything was greased and oiled when I got it, and there is much silver wear on the tuba... All signs that the tuba was used, a lot, at some point over the years.
Below are photos of the tuba in it's current state...
* About 3 braces are missing; several others are replacements that are poorly soldered in place
* The 3rd valve slide crook is unsoldered from the tubes... And appears to have been poorly repaired at some point.
* The "bead" or "rim" of the bell is separating from the rest of the bell. IDK if this is tragic, or something that solder could fix
* The leadpipe needs a bunch of help
End goal, I want it to be playable at a "Tuba Christmas" level. or better. I have few expectations, and don't want to sink major $$$ into this thing. But, I wouldn't mind spending a little money to stabilize it and get it in its way to being more viable. My Martin Medium Eb needs a small Eb brother!
So... Vote and help me decide what to do with this thing.
), Bb and A right below middle C were a bit sharp, everything else was fine. Great sound, easy to play, could take all the air young Bob could push through it. I still have the second one. Seems more fragile but looks better. Flat F and Bb in the staff, everything else seems fine. It sits in the spare room next to my H.N White/King 'medium' Eb, my two euphs and my bass trombone. I've finally brought the cimbasso out into the living room so there's that.