Looks like Tom is "Away from my computer right now"...
The instrument is obviously called the
Fluba
This is from an interview with Jim Self, the owner of the
Fluba:
Q Who designed the instrument and what kind of parts did he used?
A It was my idea to have a tuba-sized flugel horn. Robb Stewart designed it and made it from parts. The valve section and "guts" are from a Yamaha Eb "compensating" tuba. Robb cut the slides for an F instrument. He used a small F tuba bell about the size of a Yamaha 621 and made the other branches. The design is like a huge antique flugel horn. It has some beautiful bends and bows and little personal touches--they show that Robb is a great artist and instrument maker.
"............... The craftmanship is awesome and the instrument plays beautifully. I am amazed by the concept and the product. It is highly recommended. I would love to sneak it into the orchestra for Bydlo the next time it comes up. A FLUBA is not a tuba with inFluenza!"
--Sumner Erickson, Principal Tubist in the Pittsburgh Symphony. He attended a jazz concert with Jim on the FLUBA and later played it in his (very unique) home.
Now, the big question is this: Did the character below influence Jim?
Seems like "Sheldon" had a little competition!
So, which came first... Jim Self's
Fluba, or the
Monette Flumpet made for Art Farmer?
Best always,
Bruce