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musical instrument details

Boosey & Hawkes Imperial EEb bass tuba (lacquer)

Estimated price for orientation: 3 250 $

Category: Tubas
Class:











Description
Brand: Boosey & Hawkes Items Included: Case
Model: Imperial double E-flat Skill Level: Professional
Finish: Clear Lacquer Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
EAN: Does not apply


Boosey & Hawkes Imperial double E-flat bass tuba (lacquer finish)Product Description

This is a four-valve Boosey & Hawkes Imperial E-flat bass tuba built in 1978 (serial number 620324) with a 19-inch bell and finished in clear lacquer. It has had only one previous owner to whom we supplied the instrument from new, and who offered it in part-exchange for a brand new Yamaha Neo tuba. We have subsequently completed a full service on the instrument, including an internal clean, mechanical service and as much cosmetic improvement as could be undertaken economically. 

The instrument is supplied in its original wood-shell hard case which is still functional and in reasonable condition considering is has had more than thirty years' use.  The two locking catches and the carrying handle are strong and secure, but the suitcase catch at the narrow end of the case is broken. The tuba is NOT supplied with a mouthpiece; however we stock a large range of suitable mouthpieces should you be interested. Please express your interest prior to finalising payment if you wish us to include one or indeed any other additional brass accessories.
We can also offer a hard case upgrade to a used Besson Sovereign case with wheels and drag handle; please contact us for details.So that we may offer you the best possible price, please send us a message via eBay, use the 'best offer' facility, or give us a call on the contact numbers below.Keep a look out for new listings by adding us to your favourites list
I have played the tuba (and compared it with two other Imperials of similar age) and it blows strongly and freely; the 4th valve is not at all stuffy (as some can be). It was being played by the previous owner in band rehearsals right up to the point we supplied the Yamaha Neo.SpecificationIn 1978 the B&H Edgeware factory was producing the B&H Sovereign and B&H Imperial models side by side. The Sovereign had a lighter bell and a larger mouthpiece receiver and mouth-pipe, but otherwise was the same instrument. Many professional players still favour the big sound and strong blowing action delivered by the Imperial, I know several who own several for orchestral or band work.This Imperial has the smaller mouthpiece and mouthpiece receiver; that means it will not receive the standard large shank mouthpiece (such as a Bach 24AW or a Wick 3L), but it will receive a Wick Classic 2, 3, 4 or 5; the most popular being the 3. We keep these in stock and the cost £82; contact us if you require a mouthpiece.This instrument has a standard 19" bell (the same as a Sovereign).It is a 4-valve, compensating model.It is not fitted with carriage rings, which has the advantage that the lower ring will not push into your belly.It has the original metal valve guides; whilst these make more noise in movement than the modern nylon guides, they are more reliable (as they don't burr) and they are unlikely to lead to unreliable valves in a concert.The valve bottom caps are not fitted with nipples, so you cannot use a water reservoir (to capture the water) but you can fit a rolled-up cloth in the space under the valves (which does the same thing).It has nickel silver outer tubes on the first, second and third tuning slide legs for strength and longevity (much slower to rot).
  ConditionThe overall condition is very good for the age; it only had one owner and he looked after it well and kept it cleaned and serviced. Very recently it had a full overhaul; the second branch and bottom bow were removed to allow for a full de-dent; one of our technicians undertook the work and it was completed to the highest standard; the reassembly was skilfully completed and the solder and taking joints are firm and reliable. 
The instrument still has much of the original factory lacquer, although anyone owning a 1978 lacquer instrument would not expect it to look spectacular, as silver plate can do. Areas of lacquer were burnt away by the refurbishment (around the ferrules linking the branches and the stays/braces). There are very few dents and nothing significant. In the 1st branch (near the bottom bow) the 3rd tuning slide leg lower stay flange has pushed a small depression into the branch. It is a minor thing, but you can see or feel this around the flange. It does not affect the air flow and does not need to be removed. You would expect lots of tiny dents, but nothing our workshop can remove (as they are inaccessible and insignificant). The knuckle joints (coming out the valve group are in good order) - they can be soft on older models.All the tuning slides have been serviced and fit perfectly. The water keys have been serviced and new pads fitted.The pistons have very little wear for the age and are in very good condition. The top and