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I was looking at Wessex's site and I noticed that they're making Helicons. I would like to know what the point of these instruments is.

Thanks!

cWEED wrote:I was looking at Wessex's site and I noticed that they're making Helicons. I would like to know what the point of these instruments is.

1. To "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". It doesn't need to be in tune as long as it is joyful.

2. If you are ever are trying to play on horseback, you need a helicon because if you try to use a sousaphone or an upright tuba and have occasion to bend down and adjust your stirrup, you will fall off the horse because the weight is held too high. Falling off the horse is not good because you are bound to land face first in a pile of horse manure.

3. Jonathan figured out yet another reason for tuba players to throw money at him.

That is all.

Yer a jeenyus, Bloke! Thanks.

SteveP wrote:The chicks love 'um.

Here's a CC that's coming out pretty soon. Plays great!

Cerveny still makes rotary valve Helicons, in BBb and F. They seem to be still in use in a lot of places in Europe, probably where the sousaphone never got to.

I mean, it's just a differently shaped tuba. It's not like it's that far out of left field these days.

Some might argue that the extra twists and turns in the bell section of a sousaphone mess up its tone quality, so the straight bell of a helicon is to be preferred. I don't agree. But I do find it much easier to get through a doorway or stand up and play under a low ceiling with a good helicon than with any sousaphone. If you have to march on a windy day or play tuba on horseback or on a bicycle you will appreciate the helicon. There are some awful helicons out there, but the Bueschers and the Wessexes are good.
I enjoy the freedom to move around, adjust amplifiers, pick my nose, and even jump up and down while playing my helicon with a jazz band. With a sit-down tuba I am stuck in the back row, virtually invisible to the crowd.
Also, because the bell diameter is not absurd I can have a 4th valve without it weighing more than a sousaphone.

tbonesullivan wrote:Cerveny still makes rotary valve Helicons, in BBb and F. They seem to be still in use in a lot of places in Europe, probably where the sousaphone never got to.

Baltimore Brass has had a Cerveny BBb helicon up for quite awhile.

What Art said!

I’ve got a Wessex BBb helicon. I love it. The lower center of gravity makes it way more comfy so I end up playing it way more than my sousaphones.

I've hit a street sign and other over hanging obstacles a time or two with a sousaphone, and not so much with a helicon, so I agree that's an advantage - but what you will hit with a helicon is your bandmates, until they learn to give you a wide berth around the left side.

I wouldn't guess that the bell turns are a major acoustic flaw with the sousaphone, but I wonder if the bits are. Not that they're any different with US helicons, but the European style as depicted above doesn't normally have them. Which is bad news if your proportions don't match, but if you can play it, you might be getting a little closer to the ideal receiver/leadpipe situation.

If you have to play on a bike you need this:

https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_ ... 66270.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

.

bloke wrote:This one still exists.
Thanks to Donn, these pictures still exist.

http://yorkmaster.org/yorkmaster/photos ... index.html

That has got to be one of the most beautiful helicons out there. You wouldn't ever consider parting with it, would you bloke?

Anyone know anything about the mythical CC that Wessex is supposedly coming out with? Currently playing on a BBb Conn/Olds that Tabor Fisher made (for those familiar with the Frankentuba group on FB) but would love to get my hands on a CC one.

Like most have said, I think one of the big reasons I prefer the helicon is the balanced weight. In especially loud gigs, I also think I can hear myself better with the bell being closer to the ear. And yeah... um, doors/low ceilings.

JPLynd wrote: Anyone know anything about the mythical CC that Wessex is supposedly coming out with? Currently playing on a BBb Conn/Olds that Tabor Fisher made (for those familiar with the Frankentuba group on FB) but would love to get my hands on a CC one.

Its picture is on the previous page. What would you like to know?

UncleBeer wrote:

JPLynd wrote: Anyone know anything about the mythical CC that Wessex is supposedly coming out with? Currently playing on a BBb Conn/Olds that Tabor Fisher made (for those familiar with the Frankentuba group on FB) but would love to get my hands on a CC one.

Its picture is on the previous page. What would you like to know?

Didn't realize you were associated w/ Wessex and that that indeed is the horn.

What would I like to know?

Uh - when can I buy it?

JPLynd wrote:
Uh - when can I buy it?

Probably mid-2020.

People are still buying them, so there is still a demand. A small demand, at that but a demand nonetheless, that's significant enough for companies like Cerveny and Wessex to keep making them. Personally, I'm glad we tuba players have that option in the market if we want to go that route.

Casca Grossa wrote:All the cool kids have one.

Finally! I'm a cool kid!