Posted by Jay Bertolet on March 08, 2001 at 08:22:41:
In Reply to: Re: helicons in the concert halls posted by Ray N on March 07, 2001 at 23:59:07:
Or maybe we just have access to better quality instruments than were available many years ago? Really, show me how many 5 valve CC helicons you've ever seen. I don't think fear or ignorance has anything to do with it, just better choices available to us. I also think that comparing with older recordings (Gone With the Wind, etc.) is a mistake as well because recording techniques have advanced considerably also. I think this aspect helps explain why any bell front instruments (helicon or otherwise) are not often seen in use by professionals these days. The evolution away from highly directional recording techniques has rendered these instruments less desirable.
Bill Bell sure sounded great on his old Eb sousaphone. I know that if I sounded that way on a garden hose, you can bet I'd bring to the job. Why not?
My opinion for what it's worth...