Convertible Sousaphone

[bigtubby]

A BBb helicon has been on my wishlist for some time. Recently a 4 valve King raincatcher came along which was so nice that I couldn't pass it up (thanks Mark!). I found a King bell/Miraphone stack that had all of the right dimensions to graft it onto the raincatcher (thanks Dan!).

After fabricating a tenon to fit the raincatcher, voilà, a helicatcher. er, rainicon?

The nice thing is that this all worked with zero modifications to the raincatcher (one of the prerequisite for the project).

[tofu]

That's pretty nifty - especially since you kept the raincatcher all original. My only thought would be that all the BBb helicons I've seen (including my current one) have a pretty hefty brace for bell support so you might not want to leave the helicon bell section on when you're not using it.

[Dan Schultz]

..... My only thought would be that all the BBb helicons I've seen (including my current one) have a pretty hefty brace for bell support so you might not want to leave the helicon bell section on when you're not using it.

I do not have a 'brace' on my custom helicon, either. I got around the hazard of the bell falling off by using bell screws with pilots on them that engage holes in the bell tenon. I told Tom about this feature and assume he has done the same thing with his bell. My bell gets 'thrashed around' pretty good at Volksfest and hasn't budged.

[bigtubby]

..... My only thought would be that all the BBb helicons I've seen (including my current one) have a pretty hefty brace for bell support so you might not want to leave the helicon bell section on when you're not using it.

I do not have a 'brace' on my custom helicon, either. I got around the hazard of the bell falling off by using bell screws with pilots on them that engage holes in the bell tenon. I told Tom about this feature and assume he has done the same thing with his bell. My bell gets 'thrashed around' pretty good at Volksfest and hasn't budged.

Yes Dan I did that and appreciate the suggestion. My original idea had been to solder a brace to the stack and fabricate a sort of half-ferrule, glue part of a leather guitar strap inside it and simply let it rest on the 2nd branch. Your idea is much simpler and seems very solid.

Thanks again!

[imperialbari]

How is the balance?

Front heavy?

Klaus

[bigtubby]

How is the balance?

Front heavy?

Klaus

Not too hateful. I don't think it's nearly as bad as this ...

[imperialbari]

Not too hateful.

?

[bigtubby]

Not too hateful.

?

Meaning "It isn't too awful to play". The photo was to imply that I would rather carry it than a 3 valve compensator.

It sits more upright than the photo (I need to move the pad forward).

[Tubajug]

Very cool! I love the look of raincatchers! Helicons are growing on me too...

[bigtubby]

Very cool! I love the look of raincatchers! Helicons are growing on me too...

It plays really well in the original (raincatcher) configuration, haven't played it enough as a helicon to get a feel.

In raincatcher configuration, the guitar player I've been working with calls it a "Dr. Seussaphone" ...

[Tuba Guy]

All of the sousaphones I've ever gone near have been convertibles. I mean, all you have to do is unscrew 3 screws and you can easily take the top off

[Dan Schultz]

All of the sousaphones I've ever gone near have been convertibles. I mean, all you have to do is unscrew 3 screws and you can easily take the top off

Yeah. But.... they play in 'B' when you do that!