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Tuba Tuesday: Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885
Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:00 pm
by 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/
Re: Tuba Tuesday: Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885
Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:06 pm
by 2nd tenor
The entry to the valve block seems unusual to me. Does anyone know anymore about that arrangement?
Re: Tuba Tuesday: Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885
Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 3:28 am
by matt g
2nd tenor wrote: ↑Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:06 pm
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.
Re: Tuba Tuesday: Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885
Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:31 am
by arpthark
matt g wrote: ↑Tue Oct 03, 2023 3:28 am
2nd tenor wrote: ↑Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:06 pm
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.
Re: Tuba Tuesday: Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885
Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:58 am
by windshieldbug
2nd tenor wrote: ↑Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:06 pm
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.
Re: Tuba Tuesday: Conn, Clear Bore, E flat tuba, 3 piston, 1885
Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2023 8:49 am
by 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.