Expert: Kenton Scott - 4/28/2009

Question
A friend has a re-built CC tuba that began as a large Lyon & Healy BB-flat with "Made in Chichago" on the bell. I worked at L&H in the early 1960s, and the feeling then was that any L&H tubas were made in Europe or in Chicago by Harry B. Jay. As I recall Harry B. Jay made all kinds of brass instruments, and I suspect this one might have been made by them. Any thoughts? Many thanks.

Answer
I sure would like to tap into your recollections about working at Lyon & Healy!  I'm sure you know lots of detail that would be most interesting. My email is Kenton@PunxyPa.com

L&H did make some of their own instruments, and they will usually say Own Make or Am'n Make on them.  I have an euphonium so designated.  Actually it says Lyon & Healy | Own Make | Chicago | USA.  

I'm nor certain of what all Jay made.  Certainly his trumpets and cornets predominated. I've not run into any of his tubas, but I have seen reference to them.  

This is a picture of a BBb Lyon and Healy tuba.  http://www.horn-u-copia.net/instruments/Lyon/Lyon-Tuba.jpg

Most of the L&H tubas you find are Eb's.