Expert: Kenton Scott - 4/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a very used but working silver upright tuba, manufactured by the Salvation Army in London.  The only number on the horn is 3561, which is both on the bell and on the second valve.  The horn was advertised to be circa 1905 vintage, but I can't find any additional information that would date the horn.  Can you shed any light on this?

ANSWER: I believe it should date to between, 1890-6.  That horn should have been - at least originally - in high pitch.  But, it is possible that it may have been later converted to low pitch.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the prompt reply.  Thank you also for confirming my suspicions as to why I am unable to play it in tune - it is clearly still in its original high pitch configuration.  Is the conversion as simple as lengthening the primary tuning slide, and if so, what is the best way to determine how much length to add?

Answer
The main tuning slide is the main place that it needs lengthening, but all the valve slides need to be extended too.  However,they may have enough tubing that no new tubing will need to be added.  The easiest way to add tubing is to extend it behind the ferrule on the crook side.  It is sometimes harder to find tubing that will fit nicely in the existing outer tuning tubes.