b&s Bb tuba 3302 5v FA ??

[marccromme]

I might have a chance to get a 3302 for a good price, but it's 1200 km away from Copenhagen. So I would like to learn about it before traveling so far for inspection and possible buy. Bell 48cm, 4+1 FA piston plus rotary, possibly increasing bore 19 to 21 mm???

What can be said about this model? Would like to use it in Brass Band, any experiences with that purpose?

[bort2.0]

Zero concerns. B&S is one of the biggest and highest quality brands. This model is a solid 4/4 piston tuba. 5th valve is a bonus and a plus if you're using it in brass band.

Go for it!

[LeMark]

Very nice tubas. Played many of them while I worked for brook mays as their tuba guy

[greenbean]

I used to own a B&S 3301, the 4-valve version. An excellent horn. I would love to get it back!

[marccromme]

Thanks, seems I have to travel to get this one before it is snatched away. Unfortunately, there are right now travel restrictions between DK and DE.

By the way, does it have an conical valve set from 19 to 21 mm as I suspect? The model seems discontinued, I have not found it on the B&S home page.

[bort2.0]

Just drive to a grassy area at the border, away from checkpoints. You can even stay on your side and slide thing across the line. It's not like that imaginary line is doing anything to keep the virus on one side or the other. Couldn't you actually even play a tuba from your side while it's located on the other side of the line? It's all so phony... :)

Just saying, it's all a little silly

[marccromme]

Just drive to a grassy area at the border, away from checkpoints. You can even stay on your side and slide thing across the line. It's not like that imaginary line is doing anything to keep the virus on one side or the other. Couldn't you actually even play a tuba from your side while it's located on the other side of the line? It's all so phony... :)

Just saying, it's all a little silly

Nice idea. Except it's a long stretch, as the tuba is in Munich and the border north of Hamburg. Some 800 something km.

[bort2.0]

Haha, why did I think the tuba was at the border? Shops. Well... The seller could drive, too...?

Ugh, this virus...!

[greenbean]

..
By the way, does it have an conical valve set from 19 to 21 mm as I suspect?

I am quite sure, yes.

The model seems discontinued, I have not found it on the B&S home page.

I was told by B&S a while back that these models (3301/3302) can be special ordered.

[C J]

..
By the way, does it have an conical valve set from 19 to 21 mm as I suspect?

I am quite sure, yes.

According to this B&S catalog it doesn't have a conical valve set
See page 13, under the 3301
https://www.towsa.com/wp-content/uploa ... alogo.pdf

[matt g]

..
By the way, does it have an conical valve set from 19 to 21 mm as I suspect?

I am quite sure, yes.

According to this B&S catalog it doesn't have a conical valve set
See page 13, under the 3301
https://www.towsa.com/wp-content/uploa ... alogo.pdf

Interesting. That old corporate B&S cluster was 19mm through 1, 2, 3, 20mm for 4, 21mm for 5.

The rest of that catalog is saying the same. I wonder if that’s an actual change or they just aren’t writing it.

[bort2.0]

My 1997 B&S catalog lists the 3301 as 19 mm. It only says the 3302 has " 5th valve (big valves)"... Which means that the 5th valve is 21 mm.

[greenbean]

My 1997 B&S catalog lists the 3301 as 19 mm. It only says the 3302 has " 5th valve (big valves)"... Which means that the 5th valve is 21 mm.

^ This is my recollection. 1st-4th are 19mm and 5th is larger. And if I had to guess, I would go with 21mm.

[marccromme]

Very interesting 1997 catalog. Especially to see the G 55 and the 3302 side by side. The 55 has bigger bows and a more conical look, the 3302 slimmer bows and a more exponential look. Yet both share the same dimensions, 19 mm bore and 48 cm bell. Weired. Have both equally well in tune partials? Is the 55 bigger and warmer in sound than the 3302? Really intriguing.

[Sousaswag]

I owned a 3302 as my first tuba. Yes, it will sound smaller than the Gr-55. I think it would compare well with an Eastman 632 in terms of sound size.
My MW 5450 is more of a room shaker than the Eastman, while the Eastman is more agile. That's how I would compare the 3302 and GR-55. The smaller horn will be easier to get around but you won't get that depth of sound that you will get from a bigger instrument.
I'd buy the 3302. They're great horns and you won't be disappointed. Intonation is good, low range is good. Go for it!