Here is the Johann Michl & Sohn tuba. This is the oldest tuba in my collection. There is beautiful etching and it feels very solid. Unfortunately, it has a lot of wear and many unprofessional repairs. There are two ugly patches on the bell that stabilize two cracks. It plays very sharp. Once the tuning issues and leaks are taken care of, this will be a very nice tuba to play around with!

I have started some repairs on the horn myself. I managed to repair 3 leaks between the lower bow and the first ferrule where the bell attaches. There is a major leak on the leadpipe. It is a crack about one inch long that appears to have been patched many there years ago. I think it is leaking at the rotary valves also. The main slide leaks also. I was able to find these leaks using the underwater and compressed air technique. I put a 6 inch ball in a plastic bag and sealed the bell and took a piece of hose and blew air into the horn. It's kind of a messy way of checking for leaks, but it is pretty effective!

I have been informed of the approximate age and origin of this relic. This instrument is of pre- World War I vintage! It was made in Graslitz (the German spelling)when it was under Austrian Imperial rule. Since this rule ended after World War I, this gives us a good clue as to how old it is. It plays so sharp because the bands of that time in that area played using that particular pitch standard. At that time, there was no pitch standard. How it survived 2 world wars is a mystery to me. I'm just glad it has found a home in my collection!

The previous owner submitted a colorful background of how he came about owning the tuba before me. I have posted the original version and a translated version. Click on the respective flags for information on how the previous owner acquired the instrument!

Click on the center photo for fading images!