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posting for the Helicon pics, not 'cause it's FS
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 11:58 am
by Steve Inman
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-Silver-Cerv ... dZViewItem
Didn't notice anyone posting this -- neat old helicon on eBay. Nice photos.
(Yes, I know it's eBay related, but I'm posting it here for the general interest. I have no connection to this auction.)
Cheers,
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 12:09 pm
by windshieldbug
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 4:08 pm
by Alex C
Yes, a good looking horn but...
those valves are almost 100 years old judging by the stopping mechanism, the worm-screw spring-tension adjustment and the rotary valve position.
It's bidding was over $1000 earlier. Unless you want to hang it on a wall and charge admission for someone to see it, you will have another several hundred dollars in making the valves work so you can play it.
I have played one old Cerveny BBb helicon. It was a surprisingly thick sound but I think I'll save the picture and skip the bidding.
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 6:07 pm
by 9811matt
I have the matching euphonium to this helicon...
Small receiver, big sound.
i don't dare crank up the tension on the valves for fear of snapping a spring, but it's got great response, and has been seen occasionally at the odd TubaChristmas, ChristmasTubafest, and the Army Conference...
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Notice in the pictures that the tuning slides have a little hash mark to align them properly. My euph has progressively larger valves, 1<2<3<4, and is conical through the slides as well... this helicon likely is to...
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Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 7:00 pm
by Alex C
I have an Eb upright model with valves like this so I am familiar with the problems. Frankly, I'm stunned at the price being bidded (over $1500 for those of you on the edge of your seat waiting to bid).
The craftsmanship does speak well of the Bohemian artists who created these instruments. My Eb, and a similarly designed Cerveny BBb I am familiar with, have increasing bore sizes through the valves. I don't know another instrument maker that tried that until I saw the early B&S F tubas.
The attempt at shortening the valve stroke (or giving the stroke a more difinite feel) by placing the valve under the valve paddles was a good, original design and well done if not completely effective.
When in top playing condition, these instruments sound quite good. Issues of intonation and response are not up to today's standards, in my opinion. Though I'd be willing to give it a try if I had found one in playing condition.
Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 12:42 pm
by Donn
Alex C wrote:Frankly, I'm stunned at the price being bidded (over $1500 for those of you on the edge of your seat waiting to bid).
So, what ID are you bidding under?
Maybe if we need to go beyond admiring the pictures and get into the auction action, the fleabay forum would be more appropriate. The pictures are indeed very nice - thanks!
