With all of the horn swapping that we all do, does anybody else think that the player has a tone that the instrument emulates for better or worse? I agree. I think that matching a tuba (and mouthpiece) to the player is a good thing. I also believe that learning to play an instrument (and mouthpiece ...

It may be another subcontrabass tuba but looks like:
The Harvard University Band's "La Prodigieuse" BBB♭ Besson Tuba.

best,
Mark

Sunday, June 9, 2024 The Bel Air Community Band is honored to be hosting Maryland Community Band Day. Several Community Bands will perform throughout the day beginning at 1:00pm. The Bel Air Community Band concludes the day with a concert at 7:00pm. Time: 1:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Shamrock Park, 39 ...

Yes!

hello, I am 68, when I play (not often anymore) I still use my Alexander 163 CC with a Bach 7 mouthpiece. I have played this tuba since 1975 and have always considered this model to be a 4/4. In my experience, high notes (and all registers) are more of a function of practice once you find a tuba and ...

Excellent post!
Thank you Joe,
Mark

For me:

Alexander 163

I have played it in minor orchestras, bands, circus bands, jazz, solo, brass quintets and a substitution with the Baltimore Symphony, etc. My Alex never let me down. I think that Brett's (Bort) comments were spot on about the Alex.

Mark

Tuba Christmas Bel Air, MD. BEL AIR - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 - TIME: 5:00 pm LOCATION: Bel Air High School - Auditorium, 100 Heighe St., 21014 REGISTRATION: 2:30 pm, same as performance. REHEARSAL: 3:00 pm, same as registration. PARKING: Free parking at high school. NOTE: Dress in bright, festive ...

I have gotten to that stage in life where the weight of a nice BBb or CC full-size tuba is no longer manageable. A Euphonium specialist, my upper range there is also is not what it used to be. A British style EEb would, of course, have a shorter bore(less air) but not any less weight than a BBb ...

This tuba is one of the best tubas that I have ever tried. My EE flat is a very good York Monster, Randy's EE flat is better. I would consider buying this one if I still played EE flat seriously.

best,
Mark

York Monster EE flat for sale at Baltimore Brass Company. The current owner used this tuba in orchestras, brass quintets, etc, he is a friend of mine that no longer plays the tuba. I have played the tuba, it is excellent. I have no financial interest in this tuba, I just wanted EE flat players to ...

Thank You Baltimore Brass!

Pete got the valves on my aging Alexander 163 working very well. Pete and Sabina have both done repairs on my tubas and the work is always first class.

Mark

I used a Bach 32 E on my E flat (York Monster). For me it worked in all registers and I tried other mouthpieces including the Bach 24 AW.

best,
Mark

My opinion:

Your ear is the best tuner.

Mark

For me on my CC tubas: Bach 7 I have played a Bach 7 since the 1980's, it was the best match between me and my Alexander CC. I played mostly in bands (concert, German, etc.), orchestras and Dixieland bands. Before the Bach 7 I played a Bach 18 for around 10 years, the 7 worked better for me. My ...

That is great news! I have been a happy BBC customer for many years and always recommend the BBC to people that want to buy a brass instrument or need repairs. Thank you Dave for the BBC (and being one of the best musicians that I have ever known)! Hello Chris, you have done a fantastic job! best ...

Too many for me to list, here are just a few. Russian Christmas Music - Reed Dies Natalis II - Howard Hanson Victory at Sea (Richard Rogers, Arranged by Robert Russell Bennett) I got to play this under Robert Russell Bennett and it was a great experience! Sousa, Grainger, Holst, etc... AND MANY MORE ...

the first 4 years baritone horn
then tuba for 54 years
string bass 54 years

Mark

That is a beautiful tuba, great job!
Please let us know how it plays after you have had some more time with the tuba.

Best,
Mark

That might be a Ballad Horn.

There are many configurations for Ballad Horns. Enjoy your "strange and rare instrument" whatever it turns out to be.



Best,
Mark