Today it wasn't playing, but a surprise singing bit.
While enjoying breakfast I received a text message from today's worship team, a highly talented young family with strong country music background. They asked if I would sing bass on Just A Little Talk With Jesus today. Naturally I jumped at it! A ...

Had my first chance to use the Olds bass trumpet/Flugabone I just received from Blake!


What mouthpiece are you using with it?? I found a good old fashioned 6 1/2AL seems to be the ticket for me.


I used the 12C that came with the horn, and it worked just fine. Very nice sound in the mid ...

Had my first chance to use the Olds bass trumpet/Flugabone I just received from Blake! Played a couple of hymn arrangements with one of my best friends, a lovely young lady who played her trumpet.
I'm so blessed that my church lets me get away with playing a wide variety of instruments in a variety ...

I've done Count Your Blessings in church several times, both in a Dixie group and as a tuba solo. Always well received.
Tim

I say we send Brett over to beat him up.
It's in Scandia, Brett, NE of you along the river. Take RonR along for some extra muscle.
Tim

That there is some crazy plumbing.
Tim

Brett,
Searching this site - https://www.minnesotawinds.org/community-band-directory - I see a number of full band opportunities available, also a swing band directed by a fellow I've played with many times. There should be some good things available, once we get the move going.
I'm pretty sure ...

On my current King 2341 5-valve the pistons and rotor are beautifully slick. I'm sure Lee did his magic on them. They are the nicest pistons I've ever played on a tuba.
My Miraphone 83 rotors are very smooth, but the clockwork springs are seriously strong, my forearm is actually sore after playing ...

I've only purchased a few instruments sight unseen, including one compact acoustic guitar that fits in my camper closet. Each time has gone well. I'm always more disappointed in my playing than in the instrument.
Tim

I am absolutely interested.
We'll be moving soon, too far from the 5 community bands I've played with the past 40 years. I'm thinking it'll be easier to find 3 other musicians than a whole new band in the new area.
Your arranging skills and generosity are appreciated!
Tim

Brett,
Is this the instrument Bort Jr plays in school, or do you have multiple little Eb tubas down there?
Considering it's history and gorgeous engraving, I'd be of a mind to do at least SOME restoration to solidify this beauty for occasional use. Lee S is just a pleasant day's drive from your ...

Since you're staying near the Field Museum be sure to catch the boat ride between the FM and Navy Pier. It's brief, but fun.
The giant ferris wheel on Navy Pier is a great memory, too, and there's plenty of good walking chow on the pier!
Tim

The Chicago Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot, especially right now with most things in bloom. I was a tour guide there in my college years. Managed to sneak a few flowers to convince Sandy to marry me!
Tim

bort2.0 wrote: Fri May 22, 2026 1:29 pm
The German oval euphs with their in-between angled bell... I have a hard time making sense of those without Lederhosen.

Brett,
Guess I'll have to start bringing lederhosen to church!
Tim

Would love an explanation with more detail.

The Mack Brass TU422 is a well-regarded YBB621 version with larger bore and 16 inch bell. Sorta splits the difference between the 103 and the 2341. Under $2600 brand new. Here's the link - https://mackbrass.com/tu422l-3%2F4-bbb-tuba .
Tim

I'm very happy with my King 2341. I'm sure the Eastman equivalent would do the trick for you, too. Going one click smaller, consider the Olds 99-4, the Bach Mercedes, and the Conn 5J.
Happy shopping.
Tim

Now marked as SOLD.
Not to me.
Tim

I've been messaging with this fellow, he confirmed that it's a CC Tuba.
Seems like a good guy.
Tim