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Holton mammoth 6/4 helicon from 1912

While I don't own these instruments, here is a father-son photo from 1922 reminding us of the reason the helicon was invented in the first place! Oh, and both of these guys were with Sousa at one point in their music careers - as was Emil's other son, Albert.

Thanks for the thread! I've always wanted a helicon, and a 4v may be my next acquisition. But I'll subscribe and dream for now...

In the end, is a helicon supposed to sound like its own thing, or is it supposed to replicate another instrument whilst on horseback (kinda like how a mellophone lets horn players march...)?

Shawn wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:15 am In the end, is a helicon supposed to sound like its own thing, or is it supposed to replicate another instrument whilst on horseback (kinda like how a mellophone lets horn players march...)?

Uh, pretty sure it's "supposed" to sound like a tuba, while being able to hold the reins.

I'll take some pics of my Wessex helicon later today. I love it. So much more comfortable than a sousaphone.

Kirley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:24 am Uh, pretty sure it's "supposed" to sound like a tuba, while being able to hold the reins.

Agreed.

I'll take some pics of my Wessex helicon later today. I love it. So much more comfortable than a sousaphone.

Which one do you have?

I have the BBb. Have had it for about 2.5 years. I'm guessing it has been on over 100 gigs at this point.
It's been great.

Kirley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:34 am I have the BBb. Have had it for about 2.5 years. I'm guessing it has been on over 100 gigs at this point.
It's been great.

I'd love to hear more about it when you have time. I'll send you a PM so I don't clutter this up anymore.

What makes The Wessex helicon better than a sousaphone?

LargeTuba wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:25 pm What makes The Wessex helicon better than a sousaphone?

If you're referring to my previous statement, I find helicons to be more comfortable than sousaphones due to their lower center of gravity. Since the top isn't trying to fall over constantly, you can be a lot more relaxed while playing. Wessex is the one that I have, and I believe the only currently manufactured option, but I think these statements are fairly true for most helicons. Although I'd guess some of the really large bell old helicons might try to fight you a bit. Maybe Ian can weigh in on this. @Mithosphere I believe I saw a post from him with a giant helicon bell.

Oh, great. Now I have helicon envy.

Three Valves wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:24 pm Oh, great. Now I have helicon envy.

Is that wrong?

If lovin me some helicon is wrong, I don’t wanna be right!!

Note to self:

Contribute here on Sunday.

Some bad joke about a helio con?

Which the folk of Galileo's time were too smart to fall for...

Wait, why need i justify my own internal deadline?

I guess i think i'm funny or something. I suppose i could pick something worse than myself to be full of...

Anyway. Sunday it is, then.

@lost, @Dave Detwiler, @Kirley, sould any/all of you be amenable to using some of these photos in an Instagram post leading back to this thread? It’s a great discussion!

humBell wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 4:31 am Note to self:

Contribute here on Sunday.

Some bad joke about a helio con?

Which the folk of Galileo's time were too smart to fall for...

Wait, why need i justify my own internal deadline?

I guess i think i'm funny or something. I suppose i could pick something worse than myself to be full of...

Anyway. Sunday it is, then.

Stop spinning around what you're trying to say.

humBell wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 6:04 pm

Three Valves wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:24 pm Oh, great. Now I have helicon envy.

Is that wrong?

Most definitely not, although I wonder about what sacrifices are made in tone/intonation/etc. to achieve a limited form of portability.

matt g wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 7:18 am @lost, @Dave Detwiler, @Kirley, sould any/all of you be amenable to using some of these photos in an Instagram post leading back to this thread? It’s a great discussion!

Sure thing. Although I am not on Instagram.

For me helicons are lighter and more portable than sousaphones. They have a more directional sound that cuts better in the ensemble. I'm not against sousaphones cause they offer more projection over a group based on their height and bell position.

Share away. I, too, am not on Instagram.