Marzan Custom BBb slant piston tuba
This horn is my pride and joy! Found in Austin Texas in 2007, this horn was custom designed by Fred Marzan and built at the Wilson factory in Switzerland. It has a beautiful satin silver finish and a rich, easy to control tone. The slant valve position allows for easy standing play and was designed as a solo instrument. Both Daniel Oberloh at www.oberloh.com and Steve France at www.themusic-store.com have done some wonderful work on the horn over the years.
Courtois Prestige Orchestra 500 Bass Trombone
This free blowing bass trombone has been my primary working instrument for the past 15 years. A dual trigger (Hagman Valves) bass trombone with a 9.5" removeable red brass bell and a professionally installed Greenhoe balance bar.
The horn is an excellent tool for pit work, jazz bands and orchestral playing. Special thanks to Alex at www.beacockmusic.com for rescuing my Hagman Gb valve after an unfortunate trombone stand accident!
A tool for every job.
I have never been a real gear head when it comes to instruments and equipment, but I have built a very nice stable of instruments to support my habit of making music.
1946 Conn 20J Recording Tuba
My Tub! This horn is perfect for oom-pahing my way through a octoberfest, or walking Basin Street.
Conn 8H Symphony Trombone
This horn from the mid-70's is a dream to play! .547 bore, red brass bell, a sound as sweet as honey! It pairs well with my Schilke 51D, although the G&W Harwood is a blast to use as well! This has proven to be a great combo horn when I am playing bass bone regularly, it blows very similarly to the Courtois.
1948 Conn 4H
I have been very fortunate to find some gems to add to my stable. This "pea-shooter" is a hoot to play. Jack Teagarden used this model in his early days, and when playing this horn, you can really see where he found the ability to sail into the extreme high range of the instrument. I acquired this horn and a Reynolds valve trombone from a gentleman in Fall City, WA who played with the Coast Guard Dance Band in WWII in NYC. He wanted a good home for them both and I offered mine! It has been a labor of love to keep the horn playable, I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend Steve France in St. George UT at www.themusic-store.com for doing the restoration work for me.