Just undergoing cleaning and restoration a Highams of Manchester 3v E flat tuba, circa 1893 for a pupil of mine. Thought you might like to see the beautiful engraving that goes around the entire bell; http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k...uphoniums/?action=view¤t=tracytuba2.jpg CB
Finished pics; http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k...uphoniums/?action=view¤t=tracytuba6.jpg CB
Hi, With this one it was basically washing thro' inside, cleaning & polishing. Valve guides were all good and fitting was quite tight so it blew very well. No leaks on any joints but it's a very small bore so maybe the receiver will need changing to get a modern m/piece to fit properly and then check the intonation. Quality built instruments can last for ever it seems, the thick plating on these older ones goes a long way to protecting them too. Obviously they can't compare soundwise to modern tubas, but I would happy blowing this in various ensembles. CB
