Re: 1970's Walter E Sear BBb tuba


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Posted by Rick Denney on May 14, 2003 at 11:42:53:

In Reply to: 1970's Walter E Sear BBb tuba posted by What is this? on May 14, 2003 at 08:38:45:

The vintage is correct. A VMI 3301 has a leadpipe tuning slide loop like this one, but it's on the backside of the instrument, not in front.

But this doesn't look like a B&M, either. The valve arrangement is the same, but the third valve is differently arranged, and I've never seen a B&M with a leadpipe tuning slide.

The instrument in the picture is made by B&M. (It's my York Master made perhaps a bit before 1970, back before I let the shine fade.) The B&M Symphonic is a bit different, but it has the same basic arrangement. You can see that the only similarity is the diagonally arranged pistons.

Consequently, my vote goes to De Prins, a Belgian company that apparently also made tubas for Sear's label. They did make tubas with front-action valves--Baltimore Brass has one for sale now but they didn't show a picture so I can't compare them.

Rick "who doesn't think this is a B&M" Denney


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