On the 28th of July, 1870 Martin Fuchs and Gustav Bohland entered into a mutual partnership creating the Firm: Bohland & Fuchs Fabrik von Musikinstrumenten.
The founders rocking their awesome moustaches
Until 1945, B&F created a vast array of brass instruments, most of which time has forgotten, with the notable exception of their BBb tubas.
a bit quieter these days..
I am aware of at least 5 different variations of the Kaiser BBb models, but due to a current lack of information, it is not clear if they existed simultaneously or were progressively released? Some of them sported vertical tuning slides while others have horizontal tuning slides. Others had 45 degrees entry ports on the valves with others entering directly like our featured tuba. The 1930s 4/4 ‘Soloist’ model BBb is a prime example of this type of construction.
neat 4/4 military B&F BBb tuba
The photo from Horn-u-copia shows a more common B&F Kaiser from the ca.1920-30s.
This particular model was the basis for what later became the Melton 197 Kaiser BBb tuba.
Melton 197. Purdy tuba…
Our featured horn is however something rarer. It is similar to the Horn-u-copia B&F but is considerably larger in diameter. The Melton 197 looks smaller in comparison and feels more like a 4/4 tuba in a back to back play test. The Melton also features many hydraulically made parts which gives the sound quite a different character.
Old School seamed and bent in lead bottom bow
a thing of beauty
This ca.1930s B&F has been heavily modified and upgraded for professional modern orchestral use. Everything superfluous has been removed including the caps and many braces. The remaining parts have been modified or replaced with higher spec versions. The leadpipe is a larger tapered bore than the original. The original 21.20mm valve block has been replaced with a 21.50mm with the valve cores bored out to 22.50mm. The 3rd and 4th valve slides and tubing have been replaced with handbent in lead versions with gentler bends. The bell has a 46cm diameter, but has a far larger throat and bottom bow than almost any other kaiser tuba.
top bow is as large as the bottom bow of some tubas…
The end result is the quintessential Kontrabass Kaiser Tuba. Massive resonance combined with a huge core sound and flexibility.
drivers view
The history of B&F tubas is a long and complicated one which requires a more comprehensive search. This post is merely a humble attempt to catch your interest.
To be continued….
Interesting…
Brass and Pipes 