TubaForum.net

Hello, for sale is my mid-80s (1984) Hirsbrunnner-50.

This is one of the best handmade CCs I’ve ever played and is a mighty fine example of a Yorkbrunner. This was owned by Tony Kniffen, Chris Hall (USAF), and Matt Gaunt

This instrument has been modified over the years and has only shown more upside.
As listed…

• Bracing by Martin Wilk
• Maw Valves
• Reinforced bottom bow
• Vented 1st, 3rd, and 4th valves by Matt Walters
• Slides were lapped by Matt Walters
• Leadpipe was raised from the bell by Aaron Tindall

Repairs: Replaced 3rd tuning slide crook due to cracks.

The condition is what you would expect an old horn would be. Some silver loss and a couple of pings, nothing so bad. And it absolutely doesn’t affect the sound

I don’t have the original valves, but I don’t think I’d ever use them seeing how the MAW valves practically mitigated the infamous intonation quirks that Hirsbrunner usually has.

The horn would come with a cronkhite gig bag.

Link for pictures https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... drive_link

I am firm with $16,000, but I am considering trades + cash.
Located in Northern New Jersey, shipping may be possible, but buyer must cover and assume the risks.

Feel free to PM me or email me at docacc2370@gmail.com

I remember this Yorkbrunner. Quite a price. Good luck with the sell.

I think I bought this horn for less than that like 10 years ago from Kniffen and sold to Gaunt. Great horn, good luck on the price.

I spent quite a bit on several repairs and modifications to get it where it is. It is slightly higher than how much Chris was selling it for. And thanks!

Dallastuba1 wrote: Thu Apr 02, 2026 10:31 am I think I bought this horn for less than that like 10 years ago from Kniffen and sold to Gaunt. Great horn, good luck on the price.

I remember that, especially considering the instrument had some prior damage when Tony owned it. A highly regarded repair technician completed substantial work to address those issues and improve its overall condition. I also recall that Tony listed it at a very fair and reasonable price.

With that context in mind, I’m not entirely clear on the rationale behind the current pricing. I mean no disrespect, but it does seem somewhat unusual. Additionally, some of the modifications mentioned do not appear, at least from my perspective, to meaningfully enhance value of performance.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the instrument shows visible signs of modification, particularly with the added bracing. While those changes may offer structural benefits, they also noticeably alter the instrument’s appearance and playing, which may be viewed differently depending on individual preference.

Listening to the recordings it sounds like a questionable instrument.

I understand what you’re talking about, no disrespect taken. Please keep in mind that the instrument may have been in a different shape compared to when Tony owned it. I don’t know how much he sold it for or how it looked back then. What I do know is when I got my hands on it, I went to get it worked on.

For the example of pricing, Matt sold it for $16,500 and considered trades. I’m adding on what I spent on it! And still considering trades

The audios from most of the recordings are questionable, I can agree that they’re not the best. There hasn’t been a time where I can freely record the instrument (solely by itself) in a good space to demonstrate its capabilities. Aside from that, I still believe it shows how commanding it can be in large ensembles. But who cares what I think? Its an individual preference indeed!

Isaac is a great dude, so is his dad. Good luck on the sale!

Back on sale