Tuba, C
Maker
C. G. Conn
Date1908-1909 ca.
Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America
Serial No.None
SignedEngraved on the bell, in a circle surrounded by scrolling design: MADE BY / C. G. CONN / ELKHART / - IND.-MarkingsStamped on mouthpiece receiver: UNION / (within a chevron) M. P. B. / ---- / P. L. U. / (stamped below chevron) LABEL
Stamped on bottom of one of the two water keys: 158
Stamped on back of fourth rotary valve: 106
Stamped on back of water key touch of main tuning slide: 2158
DescriptionSatin-silver-plated brass, with interior of bell and area around signature burnished. Four string-action, rotary valves.
This is a custom-made tuba for Frederick (“Fritz” or Fred) Geib (1871-1950), one of the most accomplished tuba players of the first half of the twentieth century. Instead of the usual piston valves one would expect to find on a Conn instrument, this tuba features four string-action, rotary valves, and is one of fewer than a handful of rotary valve instruments to ever come out of the Elkhart factory.
DimensionsHeight: 37 in (940 mm)
Bell diameter: 17-5/8 in (447 mm)
ProvenanceOriginally custom-made by Conn for Frederick (“Fritz” or Fred) Geib (1871-1950).
Geib, who studied how to play he tuba with the renowned tubist, August Helleberg, Sr., played this vey instrument for recordings made with Victor Herbert's Orchestra. Geib's career included playing with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Victor Herbert's Orchestra, the Strand Theatre Orchestra, eighteen years as principal tubist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, 15 years with the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, the NBC Orchestra, and appearances with Sousa's Band, Arthur Pryor's Band, Goldman's Band, and other ensembles. He also taught tuba at Juillard for 20 years and authored _The Geib Method for Tuba_ in 1941. Composed 10 tuba solos between 1939-1946 and numerous etudes.
This tuba was purchased by the donor’s father from Fred Geib in September 1945. Geib was the donor’s teacher. According to a letter written to donor’s father by Geib, Sr., on May 13, 1948, “When I played with Victor Herbert, in the different Phonograph Company’s, the C. G. Conn Tuba, which your son is playing now, was the one I used for Mr. Herbert that was the one he liked best. Your Son will never get another one like it.”
Credit LineGift of Oliver S. Saffir, 2011
Object number14563
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