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New Sousaphone Day!

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 11:52 am
by Toakstertuba
Just picked this beauty up last night! I've got a little work I want to have done, but it already sounds amazing as is!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hiw4aasQW1vpNFAH6

Conn Pan American 32K. Serial using the Pan American serials puts it at around 1955. Using the Conn Serial list it puts it from around 1941.

I thought it's interesting it uses the 32K model number which as far as I understand was a Conn specific model ("lightweight" but similar to 14K).

I'd love to hear any knowledge that anyone has to share about this horn. Which serial list is more likely to be correct to determine around when this was made?

It's quite a paint / etching job that somebody did somewhere along the way. The horn is mostly in pretty great shape! One solder job for one of the braces on the lead pipe. Trying to figure out what to do with the first valve. It actually works fine, but as shown it has some pretty major corrosion. I suppose if I get it lapped and it ends up toast, I could source a new first valve... I'll want to get all of the valves aligned with new corks / felts. There seems to be some rubber washers on the "upstroke" that makes the valve visibly bounce when released. Anyone know of a kit I could get that would fit this horn?

Anyways, I just wanted to share my exciting new acquisition and throw out some feelers for any knowledge that anyone is willing to share.

Thanks in advance!

Re: New Sousaphone Day!

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 12:06 pm
by Three Valves
WOW!

If you have any Banda gigs or Indian weddings coming up, don't touch a thing. :tuba:

It would be nice if the corrosion can be arrested before it gets worse.

Less is more.

Re: New Sousaphone Day!

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 12:19 pm
by bloke
I associate "32K" with "more sturdy bracing, as might be observed on a 6/4 38K or 20K, yet - otherwise - 14K"

As The World's Most OK Tuba Player (as well as Chief Spokesmodel for The Tubah Goddhh), I strongly approve.

congrats ! :smilie8: :thumbsup:

Re: New Sousaphone Day!

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 7:28 pm
by Grumpikins
That's really pretty. Awesome acquisition.

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