Posted by Dr. Larry Lilley on December 06, 2002 at 15:48:19:
In Reply to: Old 6/4 Martin BB flat posted by Sean D. on December 06, 2002 at 15:17:45:
"In 1956 the United States Navy Band acquired by special order, ten large upright Martin Tubas, each equipped with a master tuner to be operated with a left hand lever in front. A short time was required for all of the players in the tuba section to get used to this device, which was strange to some. The end result was excellent." Treatise on the Tuba, Donald W. Stauffer, Stauffer Press, Box 101082, Birningham, Al. 35210, 1989, page119-121.
I saw two of these myself at the Navy School of Music, Anacostia, Md., while stationed there with the U.S.Army element in 1961. They played well and the master tuner, which manipulated the main tuning slide,was an interesting device. Stauffer's book, above, includes additional information on the master tuner and a photo of one of the Martins
you mention.