Tuba Tuesday: Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885

[bisontuba]

Happy Tuba Tuesday. Today, the Museum features a Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885.

Serial #: 9044

Bell Diameter 14 3/8”, Bore Size .593, Height 30.25”.

Comments:

“MADE BY / C.G. CONN / ELKHART / IND.” on bell. Direct passage between 1st and 3rd valves; air flows 2-1-3; no connection between 2 and 3.



https://simonettitubacollection.com/ins ... -3-piston/

[2nd tenor]

The entry to the valve block seems unusual to me. Does anyone know anymore about that arrangement?

[matt g]

The entry to the valve block seems unusual to me. Does anyone know anymore about that arrangement?

It’s noted in the OP. The valves are routed 2-1-3 here. Maybe since that’s in order of tubing length?

What’s also interesting is the length of the leadpipe, as it looks to be about 30 inches long, combined with a small bore.

One wonders what something like this would sound like, since it would seem to be a much “lighter” sound than the “monster” Eb tubas that came 40 years later.

Even in the early part of the 20th century, seems like dimensions could sell tubas.

[arpthark]

The entry to the valve block seems unusual to me. Does anyone know anymore about that arrangement?

It’s noted in the OP. The valves are routed 2-1-3 here. Maybe since that’s in order of tubing length?

What’s also interesting is the length of the leadpipe, as it looks to be about 30 inches long, combined with a small bore.

One wonders what something like this would sound like, since it would seem to be a much “lighter” sound than the “monster” Eb tubas that came 40 years later.

Even in the early part of the 20th century, seems like dimensions could sell tubas.

Honestly reminds me a lot of that tiny Czech Eb that I have for sale. It basically plays and sounds like a large baritone, has a smaller bore than modern euphoniums, and with a small-shank trombone mouthpiece receiver to boot.

[windshieldbug]

The entry to the valve block seems unusual to me. Does anyone know anymore about that arrangement?

Conn used this arrangement into the 1900's with some horns, including their Conn-queror cornets. I believe that they originally thought that it helped with air flow, but eventually changed their minds.

[humBell]

Likewise i've seen an old Buescher or two with this style valve. Or at least valve order. For some reason, i think there is some other aspect that was bizarre with them, like maybe the second valve ports being on opposite sides of the piston, so the loop past under? But i may be confusing instruments. It has been a while... And i'm too lazy to double check.