Kanstul CTU-900/4B 5/4 BBb tuba...............................................................................................................$5,250.00

Available by order in 6-8 weeks

This instrument is based on the measurements of the old Martin Mammoth recording bass, arguably making it a 6/4 size tuba, but with the .689" bore, it is agile and easy-to-play, particularly for an instrument this size. The instrument features two main tuning slides, the traditional one below the valveset and an upper main tuning slide located within easy reach of the performer's left hand. Equipped with an adjustable thumb ring, the tune-any-note main tuning slide moves effortlessly and enables the performer to make fine tuning adjustments for any pitch with just one slide. The instrument is also equipped with an extra-long upper 4th valve tuning slide with a pull ring, enabling the performer to progressively pull the 4th slide and play chromatically, in-tune, all the way to the pedal range, using the same fingerings as an automatic-compensating instrument without the added resistance. This tuba is built utilizing sturdy modular construction, and is quite durable, as well as "repair-friendly". I have vented the very-tight, hand-lapped monel pistons, to further enhance the agility and clarity of tone production in technical passages. With Kanstul making the very highest quality tubas in America, the owner of this tuba will be assured of years of playing satisfaction from this fine instrument. Equipped with a Stofer-Geib mouthpiece

This instrument is available with an Altieri gig bag for an extra $225.00 or a hard case for an extra $690.00.

Kanstul model 390 Bb baritone horn, serial number 29540, with case and mouthpiece................$1,100.00

This like-new instrument is here on consignment, and would make a wonderful addition to any brass band, as well as being a fine solo instrument. The MSRP on a new model 390 in silver-plate is over $3,000.00, so this instrument is an exceptional value. Don't delay in contacting me, as I have a feeling this instrument will not be here long!

Rare Holton Factory model BB-345 6/4 tuba, serial number 529847...........................................................SOLD

This instrument was part of the Holton factory display set of instruments, so it has mainly seen use going to conventions some years ago. A collector bought it from Holton, and has now decided to sell it. The instrument has some very minor blemishes, but is in excellent condition, and has not been played enough to be considered used in that sense. There are unconfirmed reports that this American classic instrument, built in late 1974, may be the last of the model 345's ever built. It plays very well, and would make an excellent everyday player, or addition to an instrument collection, because of its age and virtually-new condition.

I have restored a Holton Revelation 52 mouthpiece, which I will include with the instrument.

Meinl-Weston "Fafner" model 195 6/4 BBb tuba, serial number 005665............................................$7,250.00

This is posibly the most pristine pre-owned instrument I've ever encountered, with scarcely a scratch even on the bottom bow. According to the owner, the instrument had some lacquer peel in the first two months, right where one's right hand rests on the bell. This has been repaired, and it looks and feels like a very, very nice new tuba. This is no small tuba, with a.847" bore, 18 7/8" bell diameter, and an overall length of 42". Equipped with Meinl-Weston's patented double-Uniball linkage system, inner- and outer slide tubes of nickel-silver, a solid nickel-silver leadpipe and a solid nickel-silver thumb ring, every part of this tuba says, "Quality". Playing-wise, the instrument speaks with a large, resonant bass voice, and is surprisingly agile, too.

Comes with like new MTS wheeled- hard case and original Melton mouthpiece.

Conn 25J 6/4 4-valve BBb tuba, serial # C66300..............................................................................................SOLD

made in late 1963, .770" bore, 24" bell diameter, 41" tall. This instrument is a BAT in the truest sense of the word. If you are looking for a major-league player of a 6/4 tuba, and don't mind some cosmetic defects, then this is the tuba for you. This instrument has been professionally played for years, and is in great mechanical condition. To improve the appearance, we have stripped the lacquer from the bell, buffed and refinished it. After some dent work, we also refinished the slides, adding a pull ring on the 2nd slide. The body has been de-dented as much as possible without fully restoring it, and has several coats of lacquer in repaired areas. We added an original Conn water key to 4th valve slide, as Conns did not originally have a water key on that slide. Finally, I fabricated a nylon bell rim rim cover, which protects the bell rim and tightens up the focus and response. With a fresh servicing of the instrument, including chemical-cleaning and bright-dip, precision valve regulation (of great importance on short-action valves), and even detailing-out the water keys, this is one fine player with very short, sure valve action.

This instrument comes lacquered and includes 4-short-action offset valves, customized with Conn mouthpipe bit and gig bags for body and bell.

Hard cases available.................................................................................................................................add $750.00

Buescher True-Tone BBb sousaphone, serial # 167789...............................................................................SOLD

Vintage 1924, bore .730", 26" bell diameter, overall height approx. 50". This silver-plated jewel is in amazing condition, considering that it is 86 years old. A collector's dream, this Buescher is the only one of this vintage that I've ever seen with a pristine original neck, bits, and original Buescher finger buttons. Also, I've acquired and restored an original Buescher True-Tone 67 tuba mouthpiece, which will soon return from being gold-plated. The valves are lightweight and fast, and I've added two extra water keys to the slides. There is some plating wear as evidenced in the photos, but the main tuing slide has been polished and lacquered . After play-testing it throughout 4 octaves, it is a tuba that plays about as well as any tuba on the planet. Yes, Gus Buescher knew how to build a tuba, sousaphone and helicon! To protect this instrument, I` ordered an MTS molded hard case with wheels.

Mirafone pro model 186-4U BBb tuba, serial number 9033287...................................................................$4,400

This instrument has the most modern miniball linkage, nickel-silver leadpipe, nickel-silver inner- and outer slides, and the world-famous nickel-silver bell rim. There are small scratches and minimal lacquer wear, but this instrument came to me in exceptional condition. It is in the process of being serviced now, and is one of those instruments that I expect to be gone soon. Equipped with like-new Altieri pro line gig bag.

Rudolf Meinl 4/4 5-valve CC tuba........................................................................................................................$7,800

I believe this instrument to be from the late 1980's, as it has the 2nd valve slide trigger and Uniball linkage, and the Jakob Winter wheeled hard case. There was a long crack along the original bell rim which could have been repaired, but I opted to get a new bell from Germany instead. This is once again a world-class player that looks good, too.

Martin Mammoth BBb recording bass, serial number 194613...................................................................$1,750

Made in 1955, this tuba defines "BAT". The tuba is in its original configuration, with original leadpipe and two tuning bits, and three upright valves. The valve bore is approx. .710", overall height is is approx. 48" and the bell diameter is 24". This instrument was given what I refer to as an economy overhaul. There are two small dents that I could not reach without complete disassembly of the instrument, and I did not consider them to be terribly important. The instrument has been otherwise de-dented, bottom bow and guards removed, de-dented and guards reinstalled; the body was stripped of old lacquer, buffed, hand-polished, and re-lacquered. The finish is not perfect, as removing every scratch would have compromised the thickness of the metal. However, all engraving has been saved, and it is a shiny, nice-looking tuba. In fact, I have played it professionally on tour for the last two weeks. I find that the response is lighter than the big Conns and Holtons, and will fill a room in an instant. It has the ability to develop a lot of volume for a large ensemble, while being nimble-enough to use in a brass quintet. In the low range, the priviledged tones are spot-on, so that all the pedal notes are readily accessible and in-tune. This tuba will delight the player who wants a lot of tuba at a modest price.

Accessories
:: Mike Finn Mouthpieces
:: Bruno Tilz Mouthpieces
:: Kelly Mouthpieces

:: Stofer Signature Line mouthpieces

Like most players, I have searched throughout my career for "tools of the trade" that help me achieve the best tone, articulation, and intonation available. My mouthpieces are turned in Jim Kelly's precision machine shop in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, and differ from the original Conn-Geib mouthpieces only in that the shanks are marked as A (American standard size) or E (European size, slightly larger), and that the mouthpieces have a slight bevel back-cut at the end of the shank to enhance airflow and response. I have had a test-run of two other models, but those two projects are tabled for the time-being, needing more development and testing.

The Stofer-Geib mouthpiece is a classic design, inspired by a mouthpiece manufactured before WWII. The Geib model mouthpiece has a relatively thin rim at 7mm, a 33mm cup opening, and a cup depth of 34mm. This design, with a narrow rim, moderately large cup opening, and a moderately deep bowl-shape, has a sound quality and control that I've not found in any other mouthpiece. The rim is well-rounded, but there is enough inner "bite" to make attacks clean and secure. This is the smallest mouthpiece that I've ever used extensively on contrabass tuba, and a growing number of customers report using the mouthpiece on F- and Eb tubas. I find that I can play with a more relaxed embouchure, warm-up quicker and have better pitch accuracy, as well as getting that deep core sound I've always been striving for. And, going to a smaller mouthpiece did not hurt my low range, either. I have had more than one top orchestral player say that this mouthpiece has a unique sound, possessing a fundamental bass sound that others do not. This mouthpiece is now used by players of all levels, from high school students to a significant number of top orchestral musicians. Join the growing number of people that have discovered a mouthpiece that can help them go to the next level!

Stofer-Geib Signature Line Mouthpiece - with zippered carrying pouch
Silver-plated ....................................................$200.00
Gold-plated .....................................................$250.00

:: Kanstul Reproduction bells

In collaboration with Kanstul, with major assistance from Thomas Treece and Robert Carpenter, I am now able to offer new reproduction upright bells for many of the recording basses of the past. Mr. Kanstul has taken the time to accurately reproduce original bell tenons for proper fit, and engineered bells that frequently are better than the originals. The Conn, King and Martin reproduction bells are made out of high-quality yellow brass. The York reproduction bells are more expensive to produce for a variety of reasons, which is why the price is higher. Bells made of York-type metal can be special-ordered for the Conn, Martin and King tubas, and the higher price will apply. Upon request, these bells can be engraved, normally for $250.00 extra, and optional finishes are available. Please call or e-mail for details on optional finishes.

Conn 2XJ recording bass reproduction bell has an approx. 21" diameter, and provides a well-focused sound
Lacquer................................................. $1,100.00
Bright silver Plate................................. $1,300.00

Martin Mammoth reproduction bell is slightly shorter and wider than the rare originals, but provides more projection and focus
Lacquer................................................. $1,100.00
Bright silver Plate................................. $1,300.00

York reproduction bells are available to fit Grand Rapids detachable-bell instruments such as model 692, 712 and York Master model tubas
Lacquer................................................. $1,300.00
Bright silver Plate................................. $1,500.00

York reproduction full-length bells are for the smaller model 33-sized instruments (also G-50, CB-50) - installation and finishing extra
.................................$1,300.00

King reproduction bell is for the very large rotary-valve models, a rare bell for a quite rare instrument
Lacquer................................................. $1,100.00
Bright silver Plate................................. $1,300.00