Tuba. Nominal pitch: F.

Technical description: Silver-plated brass; 'Barlow model', the normal British 5-valve tuning arrangement, the 4th valve lowers by 5 semitones, the 5th valve by 1 semitone.4th and fifth tuned wide for use in combination. Five uncompensated valves give scope for choice of valve combinations to produce the whole compass with acceptable intonation. The replacement tuning-slides have stockings to facilitate movement. With 4 water-keys and fitting for music card holder. Finger-ring on 5th v.t.s. to enable adjustment while playing. Valve type: 5 Périnet valves, bottom sprung; alignment by key on piston. Repair History: New leadpipe made by Derek Farnell of Crumpsall, Manchester, c1982; tubing between the 5th valve and the tuning-slide has been replaced, possibly also c1982. New pistons made and casings re-bored by Walter Nirschl, 1991; Bow for the main tuning-slide and all tuning-slide inner slides replaced 1991. Subsequently silver-plated.