For over 100 years, from the mid-19th to mid- 20th centuries, French orchestral Tuba players exclusively played the small French C tuba; favouring their size and pitch against larger Tubas from other countries.

Pitched at the C above a Euphonium, this 6-valve instrument effortlessly plays all Tuba music, down to the lowest register.

Possessing a distinctive Gallic tone, the French C Tuba can often be heard as part of such timeless pieces as: Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Franck Symphony in D, Saint-Sains Organ Symphony, and Bizet’s Carmen; a ‘must- have’ for orchestral musicians who want to perform these works authentically.

Specifications

• Key: C (tone above euphonium)
• Bell: 10” (260mm)
• Valves: 6 piston valves (regular lengths 1-4), flat tone 5th (adjustable to flat ½ tone), 6th valve puts down into F
• Bore:  0.57” to 0.59” (14.5mm to 15mm)
• Weight: 9½lb  (4.35kg)
• Height: 22” (56cm)

Special Features:

• Fully Handmade with hand-hammered bell
• Exact reproduction of original French C tuba of the 1930’s (except 3rd slide to modern length for regular fingering)
• Stainless steel valves for reliable operation
• Nickel slides
• Supplied with euphonium and tuba sized mouthpieces (receiver euphonium size)
• Small enough to use as travel tuba and take on air flight as hand luggage