Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in August
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Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in August
I noticed the article about the new horn on the Wessex web site and was wondering if Jonathan could answer a couple of questions.
I notice that the angle of the last bow before the bell collar is a bit different and the helicon has a jointed straight section before the bell, while the Eb sousaphone has an upward bend before the bell collar. Is this the only difference between the horns, or is the helicon a new design?
And slightly off topic, had you ever considered making a raincacher bell for the Eb sousaphone?
I notice that the angle of the last bow before the bell collar is a bit different and the helicon has a jointed straight section before the bell, while the Eb sousaphone has an upward bend before the bell collar. Is this the only difference between the horns, or is the helicon a new design?
And slightly off topic, had you ever considered making a raincacher bell for the Eb sousaphone?
Last edited by GC on Sun Apr 30, 2017 2:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
JP/Sterling 377 compensating Eb; Warburton "The Grail" T.G.4, RM-9 7.8, Yamaha 66D4; for sale > 1914 Conn Monster Eb (my avatar), ca. 1905 Fillmore Bros 1/4-size Eb, Bach 42B trombone
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
The sousaphone and helicon mostly share parts, although extra tubing was required in body against sousaphone for tuning purposes. Having said that, I was amazed how different they play. The helicon plays nearer to our Champion Eb tuba (with which it shares bell) than to the Eb sousaphone. I am personally a real convert to helicons - will never want to do a standing gig with anything but a helicon in the future. As well as playing better, they are also so much better balanced. Completely effortless to carry. I did 6 mile marching gig with prototype Eb helicon one day last year!GC wrote: I notice that the angle of the last bow before the bell collar is a bit different and the helicon has a jointed straight section before the bell, while the Eb sousaphone has an upward bend before the bell collar. Is this the only difference between the horns, or is the helicon a new design?
And slightly off topic, had you ever considered making a raincacher bell for the Eb sousaphone?
A raincatcher BBb is more likely than Eb, I think - although no decision is yet made if to make either. We will need to look at the parts required. Sales of raincatcher are unlikely to justify making a new mandrel, but if we can add to range using existing parts, then I would like to make available.
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
Thanks, Jonathan.
JP/Sterling 377 compensating Eb; Warburton "The Grail" T.G.4, RM-9 7.8, Yamaha 66D4; for sale > 1914 Conn Monster Eb (my avatar), ca. 1905 Fillmore Bros 1/4-size Eb, Bach 42B trombone
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
Off topic slightly, but I thought this would be a good place to catch Jonathan for a Sousa Q of my own:
I saw someone on here a while back had a "switchable" Wessex BBb/CC Sousa. Is/was that a real production horn? Any chance of that coming back? Thanks!
I saw someone on here a while back had a "switchable" Wessex BBb/CC Sousa. Is/was that a real production horn? Any chance of that coming back? Thanks!
Eastman 853 Eb ("Edith")
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
--------------
Founder, L Train Brass Band
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
--------------
Founder, L Train Brass Band
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
That was actually a one-off. Could be made again, but not the most successful experiment.BrooklynBass wrote: I saw someone on here a while back had a "switchable" Wessex BBb/CC Sousa. Is/was that a real production horn? Any chance of that coming back? Thanks!
I do also have an experimental small bore CC sousaphone that I will put online to sell shortly...although that is also not good enough to go into production.
I do want Wessex to make a large bore CC helicon/sousaphone (I know there is a demand in Spain, as well as USA) - but the problem is "how to" as the tapers need to be different from the BBb or Eb and we have no existing successful CC helicon/sousaphone to reference.
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
Bloke's turned out pretty well:Wyvern wrote: I do want Wessex to make a large bore CC helicon/sousaphone (I know there is a demand in Spain, as well as USA) - but the problem is "how to" as the tapers need to be different from the BBb or Eb and we have no existing successful CC helicon/sousaphone to reference.
...as did mine (both based on Buescher BBb):
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
You've piqued my interest! I'm definitely interested in learning more about all of the above.Wyvern wrote: That was actually a one-off. Could be made again, but not the most successful experiment.
I do also have an experimental small bore CC sousaphone that I will put online to sell shortly...although that is also not good enough to go into production.
I do want Wessex to make a large bore CC helicon/sousaphone (I know there is a demand in Spain, as well as USA) - but the problem is "how to" as the tapers need to be different from the BBb or Eb and we have no existing successful CC helicon/sousaphone to reference.
Eastman 853 Eb ("Edith")
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
--------------
Founder, L Train Brass Band
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
--------------
Founder, L Train Brass Band
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
There were references to a Miraphone CC helicon on ToobNet back about a decade ago.
JP/Sterling 377 compensating Eb; Warburton "The Grail" T.G.4, RM-9 7.8, Yamaha 66D4; for sale > 1914 Conn Monster Eb (my avatar), ca. 1905 Fillmore Bros 1/4-size Eb, Bach 42B trombone
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
A large CC 5-valve helicon!
Get it done.
If you build it, we will buy it.
Get it done.
If you build it, we will buy it.
Mira 291 CC
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Eastman CC
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YFB-621 F
PT-10 F Clone
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YBL622 B-TB
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Monette Ajna Trumpet
Yorkbrunner CC
Eastman CC
YFB-822 F
YFB-621 F
PT-10 F Clone
MackMini F
YBL622 B-TB
YSL891Z TB
Xeno Bb/C Trps
Taylor Bb/C Trp
Eclipse C Trp
Yamaha C Pic
Lawler C7 Trp
Osmun Corumpet
Carol Pocket Trp
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
Why do you think 5-valves needed?Dylan King wrote:A large CC 5-valve helicon!
Get it done.
If you build it, we will buy it.
This will not happen quickly, but CC helicon in 2018 is likely...
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
A 5th just makes it heavier, and I'd wager most helicons would be used on strolling/standing gigs. so the extra weight wouldn't be welcome.Dylan King wrote:A large CC 5-valve helicon!
Get it done.
If you build it, we will buy it.
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Re: Questions about the new Wessex Eb Helicon coming in Augu
Can I give you my deposit now??? (Also, I messaged you)Wyvern wrote:I second this.Dylan King wrote:A large CC 5-valve helicon!
Get it done.
If you build it, we will buy it.
This will not happen quickly, but CC helicon in 2018 is likely...
Eastman 853 Eb ("Edith")
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
--------------
Founder, L Train Brass Band
1963 King 1250 Sousaphone ("Jackie O")
Aguilar Amplification
--------------
Founder, L Train Brass Band