Screw-On Bell to Fit Tuba in Small Car

[jtm]

My daughter’s Conn 8D horn has a bell that screws on, and the whole horn fits in a case that’s much more compact than a normal horn case.

I have an old B&S F tuba that I’m pretty sure would fit in the trunk of a Miata if the last bit of bell (4 or 5 inches, maybe, and not 12 to 15 inches, like normal removable tuba bells) could be unscrewed. Does anyone do this conversion?

(maybe this should be in the repair or disrepair forum)

[bloke]

USUALLY I can straighten horn bell thread rings which have been ovaled.

Were/when someone ovals tuba threaded bell rings, would you guess that one of those rings (or both, if dropped when still screwed together) would be easier - or more difficult - to re-true, compared to French horn threaded bell rings?

If you decide to cut the tuba bell to fit the car (even though you'll be putting more weight up above your head), I'll recommend a slip joint - as with a sousaphone or recording bell tuba.

How many more years are you keeping the tuba vs. the years you plan to keep the car?
Do you own another car?

[LeMark]

I think a threaded ring would be very hard to find or very expensive. What is the diameter at the point in the Bell you would want to cut it?

[Three Valves]

How much?

My guess would be “wow!”

[Three Valves]

I have cut a bell before, despite zero experience, but I do have a ton of unearned confidence, so there's that

This was to make a travel baritone that will fit in a carry on suitcase

[Three Valves]

The tuba player I saw on PBS last night had what appeared to be an F tuba with removable/screw bell.

I still say “wow!”

[jtm]

That looks really nice, Mark!

[shovelingtom]

Oystein Baadsvik’s miraphone breaks down to fit in standard luggage. This Facebook post has more: