UEDIN · 6646
Sousaphone. Nominal pitch: 18-ft B♭.
Description
Technical description: Silver-plated brass. The nominal 24-inch bell is actually close to 22-inch diameter. The detachable bell is secured by a single ligature tension wing screw. With three-part adjustable mouthpipe, two of the joints secured by ligature screw; With a broad shouder rest; water-key on the main tuning-slide; fitting for music-card holder on largest (angled) part of the mouthpipe. Valve type: 3 Périnet type valves, bottom-sprung; alignment by key on piston engaging with channel in casing interior. Repair History: Although built at International Pitch, the main tuning-slide was lengthened 3 inches by the manufacturers 2 May 1929. The water-key on the 3rd valve loop had been removed and its hole blocked; it was replaced in 2022 by a water-key from a Boosey bombardon.
Measurements
from top of bell to bottom of bow 1380; bell 557.