Posted by Mike Ross on June 15, 1999 at 15:59:35:
I currently own a Whaley Royce BBb tuba (4/4 I think) of rather indeterminate age and uncertain parentage. I am interested in finding out what the approximate age of this horn might be, where it was made, and some history around Whaley Royce.
The bell is stencilled "Imperial, made by Whaley Royce, Toronto, Canada". I have been told by two sources that Whaley Royce was a distributor only and never actually made tubas. I can also categorically state that "It ain't no Imperial" (at least in the B&H sense), although the wrap and brace design do remind me of a student model Besson horn I played way back in high school. I don't have the serial number with me, the horn's in the shop (bit o' bodywork).
Anybody care to offer a history lesson, or directions to one ?
Thanks in Advance,
Mike Ross