the old 184 - O-99 thing...with a different twist...
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2021 2:34 pm
We've all read/heard discussions about people would stuck Olds model O-99 B-flat bells on to Miraphone 184 C tubas, but here's a different twist (or two)...
Most Old O-99 tubas (GOOD tubas) were made with only 3 valves. By now, most of their pistons are worn/leaky.
Most often the O-99 bows and bells are very restorable. The bore size was 21/32" (.656" - approximately 16 2⁄3mm).
The low range was slightly stuffy, yet (no surprise) "good" for bass trombone doublers.
Also floating around are a few old Miraphone model 184 tubas (4 rotors). Often, the valvesets are in good-or-repairable condition, but their bells (and bottom bows) are trashed. New 184 B-flat bells (different from 184 C bells) are expensive. Their bore size was .709" (18mm) ...almost 23/32".
Out of curiosity, has anyone ever pasted a 184 rotary B-flat valveset on to an Olds model O-99 bell and bows set?
I'm far less curious as to whether anyone has pasted a 184 C valveset on to a Conn 2J (C tuba - as 2J tubas are already 4-valve instruments, and their valves are usually still in pretty good shape, as they tend to have been individually-owned), or a 184 B-flat valveset on to an old two-piece King B-flat body (somewhat unwieldy, at c. 45" tall).
Most Old O-99 tubas (GOOD tubas) were made with only 3 valves. By now, most of their pistons are worn/leaky.
Most often the O-99 bows and bells are very restorable. The bore size was 21/32" (.656" - approximately 16 2⁄3mm).
The low range was slightly stuffy, yet (no surprise) "good" for bass trombone doublers.
Also floating around are a few old Miraphone model 184 tubas (4 rotors). Often, the valvesets are in good-or-repairable condition, but their bells (and bottom bows) are trashed. New 184 B-flat bells (different from 184 C bells) are expensive. Their bore size was .709" (18mm) ...almost 23/32".
Out of curiosity, has anyone ever pasted a 184 rotary B-flat valveset on to an Olds model O-99 bell and bows set?
I'm far less curious as to whether anyone has pasted a 184 C valveset on to a Conn 2J (C tuba - as 2J tubas are already 4-valve instruments, and their valves are usually still in pretty good shape, as they tend to have been individually-owned), or a 184 B-flat valveset on to an old two-piece King B-flat body (somewhat unwieldy, at c. 45" tall).