Lighten a "Sousaphone"

[J.c. Sherman]

I use the quotes when the bell points forward

A few years ago, I had laid before me a dozen fiberglass Kings at a very reasonable price. I got the pick of the litter... initially the worst one, the valves were reversed and a brace was broken. When that was fixed, it was a surprisingly good playing and sounding sousa.

I play a bunch of parades with an early jazz group on it. I use a Kelly 18 to further lighten the instrument. Has anyone found other ways to lighted one? I'm sure titanium buttons and lexan stems aren't available for Kings yet.

J.c.S.

[opus37]

My 1892 J.W. Pepper Helicon weighs 11 pounds soaking wet. You now have a goal.

[Bill Troiano]

I use a heavy duty camera monopod with a BBC tuba rest top crewed onto it. I place the tuba rest top under the sousaphone where my shoulder would go. It takes all of the weight of the horn totally off my body. It works sought of like a car jack. Of course, you can't walk around with it.

[skyguy]

Balloons!

[windshieldbug]

Tether a heavy-duty drone to the bell to offset the weight!

[UDELBR]

For the purpose I often use a sousaphone (outdoors/NOLA-style brass band) ,,,

I figured you used that smokin' helicon for strolling. No?

[Bill Troiano]

A walking cane won't work unless you just plan to sit. I needed a stand for standing that would extend to around 60 in. Tried to upload my pictures, but that site isn't functioning right now. With the 3/8 in. female fitting on top of the monopod to accommodate various camera holding devices, I picked up some 3/8 in. male fittings and an adapter to screw it into the BBC stand top part. Now the tuba rest just screws onto the monopod.