Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/15/2008

Question
I bought an old, BBb? tuba.  It has four valves that rotate, like some of the better orchestra tubas, but only plays BBb with the fourth valve pushed or locked on.  I also have to pull the valve slides a long way to get it to play in tune.  The old geezer who sold it to me used to march with it because it is much lighter than even the smallest student tubas.  I'm suspecting that it is really in Eb and I got taken.

There is no brand or serial number anywhere, but a previous owner soldered a removable plate on with his name, his last name was Wright

Answer
From what you have said, it does sound like it could very well be a 4 rotary valve Eb tuba.  And, yes, you would really have to pull slides way out to get an Eb tuba with the 4th valve locked down to play in tune, in fact, I doubt there is enough tubing there to be successful.

I would say that you likely did get taken, not because there is anything wrong with an Eb tuba (I usually play one rather than a BBb) But, because it is a no-name; and because it was not what it was purported to be.