Posted by Lee Stofer on September 08, 2002 at 17:29:54:
In Reply to: Helicon tubas posted by Tim on September 08, 2002 at 09:04:38:
I have worked on several helicons, and they vary as much as tubas or sousaphones do. I did a very intense restoration of a 1919 Holton helicon several years ago, sparing no expense, and it turned out to be a gorgeous instrument and a fairly good player- only fairly good because the intonation made it a somewhat of a chore to play. However, my most recent helicon restoration, a 1911 Buescher BBb, is one of the best tubas of any kind I've ever played. It has a .730" bore, a 20" bell, plays like a wonderful tuba and is lighter than a sousaphone. I've used it for several gigs and it is a winner. Although I don't have the ability to post a photo here, I'll send a couple to anyone who is interested in seeing it. It is essentially a 3-valve version of the horn Al Jaffee used in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. When the "school band repair rush" is over, I look forward to finishing it's sister, a 1921 Buescher Eb helicon.
Lee Stofer