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According to the 1952-1953 York catalog as reproduced on yorkloyalist.com, I appear to have a brass Model 51 E flat Sousaphone. But everything else I can find tells me the model 51 was an upright tuba, not a sousaphone, and not produced after 1921. Of course, the catalog is considered a reliable source, but I'm still a tad confused. The image in the catalog is an exact match for my instrument as far as I can see - of course, it's a tiny image and it's hard to be certain. The bell is 24", and the bore is .654 according to my calipers.

So I'm hoping someone out in the world has knowledge of this instrument. It's mostly intact. I need to source a neck and a mouthpiece for it, and a new valve key. It needs dent removal and polishing and maybe some minor repairs. But I'd really like to get it playable, if possible. I played in high school and I'd kinda dig getting back to it.

Oh, it also has the full York log on the bell, and a 147235 serial number, which I think dates it to the late 40's.

Not every model ever made by every manufacturer is known nor listed in manufacturers' catalogs.

' same with Conn/Buescher/Holton/Martin/etc...People have encountered all sorts of variations of instruments not listed in price lists nor shown in catalogs.

Someone's going to need to custom-build a neck for you, and (though I'm sure you would like to find out what it was labeled when built - I get it ) that information isn't going to help you get a custom-made neck-and-tuning bits. That's going to be reliant on some skills whereby the fabricator couldn't possibly be less interested in regards to the original nomenclature.

Your bore size is right on target...so that reinforces my own confidence that your instrument was made in Michigan, and not in Germany.

It would be a good idea to find someone to make your replacement neck who is also a good player, so that it ends up being within tuning range of A=440. For the sake of practicality, probably a pair of Conn tuning bits would be the best choice, though Olds/Reynolds (sharper bends/same fit as Conn) bits are less expensive.

I’d say it’s okay to turn the lights off. Particularly if it was made before 1990.

mrkelley wrote: Wed Apr 01, 2026 11:06 am According to the 1952-1953 York catalog as reproduced on yorkloyalist.com, I appear to have a brass Model 51 E flat Sousaphone. But everything else I can find tells me the model 51 was an upright tuba, not a sousaphone, and not produced after 1921. Of course, the catalog is considered a reliable source, but I'm still a tad confused. The image in the catalog is an exact match for my instrument as far as I can see - of course, it's a tiny image and it's hard to be certain. The bell is 24", and the bore is .654 according to my calipers.

So I'm hoping someone out in the world has knowledge of this instrument. It's mostly intact. I need to source a neck and a mouthpiece for it, and a new valve key. It needs dent removal and polishing and maybe some minor repairs. But I'd really like to get it playable, if possible. I played in high school and I'd kinda dig getting back to it.

Oh, it also has the full York log on the bell, and a 147235 serial number, which I think dates it to the late 40's.

Where are you located? I have a lot of oddball necks here and am happy to otherwise assist.

By "valve key," do you mean water key (spit valve) or a finger button?

If you posted or linked to a picture of your sousaphone and a close up of the valve section, that would probably help.

mrkelley wrote: Wed Apr 01, 2026 11:06 am According to the 1952-1953 York catalog as reproduced on yorkloyalist.com, I appear to have a brass Model 51 E flat Sousaphone. But everything else I can find tells me the model 51 was an upright tuba, not a sousaphone, and not produced after 1921.
...
it also has the full York log on the bell, and a 147235 serial number, which I think dates it to the late 40's.

York made at least 3 different model 51s (not at he same time, however).
The first was the upright model 51 satin silver "Monster" top action Eb shown in catalogs from 1905-1917.
The second was the model Eb sousaphone shown in the 1952 catalog, which is probably yours.
The third was the York Master Eb sousaphone from 1962-1970.

By my estimates 147235 should date it to 1948.

What does the York logo on the bell look like?
Is it 3 valves?