Posted by Joe S. on October 16, 1999 at 09:42:25:
In Reply to: Please help with Eb sousaphone! posted by Dan Schultz on October 15, 1999 at 19:01:17:
Make sure that the bits that you are trying that are "too large" aren't just the wrong brand. If you order "brand new" Conn (I figured that you knew that "Pan American" was an old "second line" for Conn.) bits, you COULD end up just getting KING bits, because U.M.I. now stamps "Conn" on their KING instruments, too.
The ELKHART-style (still available) bits consist of two parts (each individual bit) soldered together, and the "King" (larger diameter) bits are one-piece of brass with a bend.
Sorry if I gave you impertinent information, but I was (just-in-case) trying to head off the "Are-you-sure-that-it-is-plugged-in?" type of issue.
I don't know of any off-the-shelf bits that are smaller than the "Elkhart"-style Conn ones. Most pairs of bits "new" carry a "list" price of about $40 per pair (lacquer finish), and some guys will make you a deal on them.