Posted by Joe Baker on September 20, 2000 at 16:00:43:
In Reply to: Help! posted by KT on September 20, 2000 at 15:46:23:
Yeah, I believe it. In high school I had people throw all kinds of junk into my sousaphone bell. Sooooo funny.
What kind of ball is it? Is it inflatable? And, can you touch it? Also, is it in a sousaphone or a concert tuba? Is the ball stuck in the bell section or the bottom bow? If you can, drive a screw into the ball, tie a string around the screw and pull it out. If it is inflatable, it should come out -er- somewhat easier. Another solution might be to fill the horn with water (get help - it will get HEAVY) and then turn it over. The movement of the water might be enough to push the ball out when your air was not.
If you can't touch it, you'll probably have to take it to a pro. Whether it will cost a lot is hard to say. It depends on whether he has to dismantle the horn. Good luck!