Posted by Klaus on June 01, 2000 at 16:43:15:
In Reply to: Re: Wanted: Raincatcher Sousaphone info. posted by Jon on June 01, 2000 at 14:14:50:
Very funny question!
The horn making company Paxman started after the WWI, where one of its big bussinnesses was to convert helicons to the then more modern sousaphones, which were in great demand in the dance bands.
Apart from the use in special period bands or some show/ marching bands I do see no reason to alter the appearance of any low brasses.
Any instrument should be chosen from its musical qualities.
Contrabass trombones are not easily found nor payed, so I have chosen to have the very concise sousas as a supplement to the more mellow tubas.
That does allow for the right instrument being chosen for the right situation. Sadly, as stated in a recent posting on the board, some conductors are reluctant to accept sousaphones as serious instruments. But nobody should frown upon a good sousa.
Klaus