Reynolds Contempora 3v BBb Recording Tuba ~1959 - Lacquer & raw brass

Reynolds Contempora 3v BBb Recording Tuba, S/N 55###, c. 1959. Lacquer and raw brass finish. Take Standard/American shank mouthpiece.

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Reynolds Contempora BBb recording tuba/forward bell, 3 valves with fully functioning first valve slide tuning mechanism. Manufactured during the Roth-Reynolds era in Cleveland, OH.

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Sound:

- This is a large 5/4-size recording bass. The overall sound and response is very similar to the old model King 1241/2341, but a bigger sound. If the King is a 4/4, this is a 5/4.

- The scale is as good or better as any American-made recording tuba, IMO.

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Mechanical Condition:

- Valves: As you can see from the pictures the valves still have plenty of plating on them. The action is smooth. The valves have very good compression. My repair tech put on new valve guides and felts.

- Slides: The slides all move, but they are stiff. All could use some work, but they are adequate as is. #1 upper slide operates well enough for on-the-fly fine tuning, but could be made better to take more advantage of the tuning trigger. #3 upper slide does not operate well enough for on-the-fly fine tuning.

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Cosmetic Condition:

- The lacquer finish is mostly gone on the body of the horn, and the bell has been stripped to raw brass.

- There is evidence of prior repairs, lacquer wear, dents, scratches and dings. The most notable dents are pictured.

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No case or mouthpiece is included.

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Specs per The Contempora Corner:

Reynolds BB♭ Contempora Tuba (Recording Bass)

Bore: .687"

Bell: 23" adjustable, detachable front-facing bell

Weight: 28½ lbs

Height: 50½"

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Local pickup in Tucson, AZ 85745 or can be ground shipped for $295 to CONUS/Lower 48 US states only - no other countries or other US states/territories, etc.

This will have to ship in two boxes by either UPS or FedEx Ground service, generally 5 to 10 days but can take longer.

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Thanks for looking.