TubaForum.net

Hello all!

I'm a former (and future) low brass player who is getting back into tuba-euph after some 22 years of absence. I'm looking about at used tubas in the $1-2K range, and came across one on marketplace with this odd logo. I live near Elkhart (and my daughter has a Conn 5D Elkhart horn, so I've done some research there), but have never seen this logo. It's a three-valve BBb horn.

Thoughts? Perhaps a CG for Conn?

I found the listing on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 910469646/

To me, this looks like a European tuba that is just stenciled "Elkhart." It looks French (Couesnon) or Czech to me. I think that Olds (another American make) did this in the 80s or so with their euphoniums, which were made in Czechoslovakia by Amati and stenciled Olds.

Regardless of the maker, that price is way too high for a heavily used three valve, small bore, who-knows-how-the-valves-are tuba. If you are patient and look around you can find a nice used King 1240 or similar, and if you can up your budget a bit more to the mid-$2k range you can find a decent used Miraphone 186 or King 1241/2341 (4 valves). You can talk to Joe Sellmansberger (@bloke) about his options in that price range, too.

I have had some success helping other people on this forum find tubas in their area. I am basically always looking. If you'd like to shoot me an email at beanhillbrass@gmail.com, I can add you to my mailing list and will be on the lookout for you. I think since you're a new member PMs aren't going to work for you yet.

Thank you! I'll drop you a line soon.

Looking around a bit more on here, the Conn 20J is also fairly respected in that range. I'll take a peek for the four valves you recommend as well.

I can't see the entire instrument, I'm not going to go looking for it on Facebook, and I'm looking on my tiny little phone screen, but from what I can tell on my screen, it looks a lot like laser engraving, and laser engraving usually means China.

My limited experience, yeah, i agree with @arpthark that the pictures on the face book listing make me think of couesnon as well. The detail someone brought to my attention is that there are ferrules on both side of the top bow (and bottom bow, although that is usual).

I have been satisfied playing these from time to time, and seeing what sound i can get out of 'em. I'm sure i learned something from it.

And yeah, i don't think you can get on a better list. Past year, i think he's been beating me to just about everything interesting in the New England area (which is fine, as i'm predisposed to be lazy. Theoretically now i can practice my music...)