This is a Grand Rapids (York) BBb sousaphone, silver plated, with heavy-duty hard case. (See photos below)

It is somewhat smaller and lighter than a King, and plays as only a York can play. Bell diameter is 24 inches. In terms of intonation and other playing characteristics I would compare it to a Fullerton Olds O-99, which is undoubtedly the best student tuba ever made.

"Red" Lehr in St. Louis uses a York sousaphone similar to this one. On Gene Pokorny's "Tuba Tracks" CD there is a duet performed by Red with his sousaphone and Gene with his Chicago Symphony York, and I can't tell which tubist is playing which part.

I have replaced most of the braces, as they had been poorly repaired by a previous owner. All of the slides are movable, and all of the valve caps can be unscrewed. There are minor dents, but nothing serious. The silver plating is about 95% intact.

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