Vintage Highams tuba

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&current=tracytuba2.jpg

CB

 

Wow! That's lovely!

 

Finished pics;

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k...uphoniums/?action=view&current=tracytuba6.jpg

CB

 

How much work did you have to do? How long can an instrument last?

 

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