Strike Up the Band!

ChadTuba · Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject: Another new toy

With permission this time Smile

I just picked up a Conn 28K 4 valve Eb sousaphone. She's a beauty with a satin silver body, high polish bell, and gold trim on the valve caps and tuning slides. The little bit I've played her so far I was very happy with my purchase. Gonna be a good horn for TubaChristmas, pep band with my students, and the eventual jazz combo that I hope to get going sometime.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26639&id=1662936609&l=65e65b8106 Am having problems posting pictures here so here is a link to the pictures of the horn on my Facebook.
_________________
Besson 983
Dillon PS03

Jupiter 740L
Schilke 59, modified
Denis Wick 0AL

Besson 967 Sovereign
LOUD LM-25
Denis Wick SM3

windshieldbug · Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:22 am Post subject:

I have the 26K (3 valve version), and I must say, I share your enthusiasm!

It's a very responsive and great-sounding horn, better than many upright tubas!
_________________
Mike Keller
unPrincipaled Tuba Emeritus
The Delaware Symphony

iiipopes · Core Band Member Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 159

Generally, I don't care for 4-valve souzys due to the weight. But that's for BBb. For your eefer, the 4th valve is great to have. Now, just find a tech who can turn the top loop of your 1st valve circuit into a movable slide for your left hand so 1+4 low Ab and such can be played in tune, and you'll have the best Eb souzy out there.

Set 4 so that bottom of the clef F and low Bb are just a hair flat and can be lipped into tune more by raising the back arch of your tongue to accelerate the air flow, and that will make 2+4 low A nat less of a lip down. Then Ab is 1(pull)+4, G is 234, Gb is 1(pull)34, F is 1(pull)234, Enat is 23 (false pedal) and then true low Eb pedal.

I do the 1st valve mod on all the Conn souzys I come across, and it makes a world of difference to intonation, especially on the 3-valve BBb souzys.
_________________
Besson BBb 3 valve w/ tuned exhaust
Miraphone 186 detachable w/both bells
Conn 38K, Wick 1, Curry 128D, Kelly 18
Fanned fret electric and bass guitars
If you ever see a King Super 20 trumpet
in silverplate serial no. 330XXX,
please let me know!