Listing on behalf of a friend/band mate who's not on the forum. If interested, DM me and I can pass along the seller's contact info.
LOCAL PICKUP IN CHICAGO, IL ONLY. Seller is not willing to ship, but may be willing to meet within a reasonable driving distance of the city.
For your consideration is a York model 155 sousaphone commissioned for the United States Quarter Masters Corps in the late 1920s.
It has a smaller bell flare than typical of the larger Yorks (appears to be 24") which helps focus the sound and cut down on after-ring.
Looks to be mostly original except for the bell screws and the neck and bits (currently has Conn neck and bits)
The instrument has some evidence of past repairs including a patch on the leadpipe as well as evidence of the horn being apart and re-assembled in the past (marks where bracing has moved slightly in some places). The leadpipe and ligature to tighten the neck has also been recently repaired.
I had the privilege of playing this horn on a gig recently and it plays with a massive, pillowy sound. Able to fill the room at all volumes.
Silver plating is mostly in tact although it's tarnished and could use a nice polish. Compression on the valves is decent, and all the slides pull.
Non-original hard case included.
Seller is asking $3,000
Pictures:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... W0Ls0-GSV9
Late 20s York Monster Sousaphone
Forum rules
This is for buying or selling your personal equipment, but sponsored selling is allowed as well. We are requiring all ads to have the following information. Price, (even for trades) Brand, Model, and location (for instruments, not accessories) need to be included in the ad, or at least be very clear in link provided. It is acceptable to link to an external ad if you are promoting a sale of your personal equipment. No Ebay Auctions, but Buy it now listings are fine. Photos are HIGHLY suggested as well. If you see an ad that does not meet these criteria, please report it.
This is for buying or selling your personal equipment, but sponsored selling is allowed as well. We are requiring all ads to have the following information. Price, (even for trades) Brand, Model, and location (for instruments, not accessories) need to be included in the ad, or at least be very clear in link provided. It is acceptable to link to an external ad if you are promoting a sale of your personal equipment. No Ebay Auctions, but Buy it now listings are fine. Photos are HIGHLY suggested as well. If you see an ad that does not meet these criteria, please report it.
Late 20s York Monster Sousaphone
Last edited by MartinMan on Wed Sep 30, 2026 9:06 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Late 20s York Monster 155 USQMC Sousaphone
Bump. Just received word that the ligature to tighten the gooseneck has been repaired on this horn so it is fully gig ready.
Seller has also acquired a hard case that will be included
Seller has also acquired a hard case that will be included
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bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: Late 20s York Monster Sousaphone
hints:
Show the pictures in the actual thread, rather than supplying links to pictures. Use a free hosting site such as imgur (which doesn't even require signing up or giving them your name or anything).
Have your very first picture be a very nice picture of the entire front of the instrument.
Have your second picture be a very nice picture of the entire back of the instrument.
Have your third picture be a good picture of the bottom of the instrument.
I'm not lecturing you; I'm hoping that you'll get this sold for your friend, and that someone will play and enjoy it.
Show the pictures in the actual thread, rather than supplying links to pictures. Use a free hosting site such as imgur (which doesn't even require signing up or giving them your name or anything).
Have your very first picture be a very nice picture of the entire front of the instrument.
Have your second picture be a very nice picture of the entire back of the instrument.
Have your third picture be a good picture of the bottom of the instrument.
I'm not lecturing you; I'm hoping that you'll get this sold for your friend, and that someone will play and enjoy it.
Re: Late 20s York Monster Sousaphone
By request, Imgur-hosted images (will get some additional photos added next time I have access to the horn):
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- These users thanked the author MartinMan for the post (total 3):
- OhTubaGuy (Wed Sep 30, 2026 9:41 am) • bloke (Wed Sep 30, 2026 9:53 am) • York-aholic (Wed Sep 30, 2026 5:47 pm)