TubaForum.net

I've come across an old king tuba owned by my local community band that is missing the bell. It's the two piece model from the 60s/70s. I have in my possession a junk top action king tuba and wonder if I can cut the bell off to fit on the band horn.

About how long/ tall is the stock upright bell piece for these tubas?

Also. Would a bell section that is shorter (by how much?) still function without screwing up intonation too badly.

With this info, I'll measure what I have on hand to see if it's a viable option.

Here's a pic of the model I'm looking at.

https://marge.home.xs4all.nl/King%20420291.jpg

Thank you.

If no one has responded with the measurement by the time I get home tonight, I'll measure the upright bell I have and post it.

I’ve dealt with a few King 2-piece tubas from that era — the stock upright bells were usually around 22 to 24 inches tall, depending on the specific variant. If your donor bell is shorter by more than an inch or so, you might start to notice some pitch issues, especially in the low register. It can work in a pinch, but expect to do some tweaking or compensating while playing. Best bet is to test-fit if possible and measure the collar and tenon diameters too — compatibility can vary a bit even within the King models.

Thank you. That gives me a place to start. I'll measure the diameter of the bell I have at that length and see if it's a possible substitution. I'm betting it wont be even close, but I might get lucky for once.

Oh great and all knowing magic 8 ball... will the bell fit?

Dont count on it.

I seem to be running far behind schedule as usual.

King upright bell:
19” diameter
Height: 13.5” w/tenon
12.25” w/o tenon (ie if you unsoldered the tenon from the bell.

Thank you very much. Will see what I come up with...