Posted by Rob Perelli-Minetti on June 26, 2000 at 08:45:51:
In Reply to: King sousaphones posted by Dan on June 24, 2000 at 11:20:55:
"King" was the H.N. White Company's flagship line of instruments, "Cleveland" was the 2nd line. There was a fairly signficant price differnce between the two lines (25-30% in the late 1930's).
There were also even less expensive lines "American Standard" and "Gladiator" in addition to whatever stencil production H.N. White undertook.
Differences in sousaphones particularly include bell size: the typical King classic sousaphone of the 1930s (models 1250A with 6-1/2" diameter bell joint and 1250B with the large 7-1/8" bell joint similar to the Conn 20K -- these latter are uncommon) through the 60's have 26" bells. Cleveland sousaphones are listed with 24" bells. Otherwise, the differences between the lines generally included less handfinishing, simpler bracing and older designs. Also, options such as a fourth valve were not available on the Cleveland models.
The upright tubas in the Cleveland line were limited to a couple of models based on old King designs for Eb and BBb top action horns, rather than the broad range of King tubas that included the predecessor of the current model 2341 BBb and some interesting .750 bore rotary valved horns, as well as Bill Bell's famous .687" bore rotary CC horn.