Helicon (instrument)

The helicon is a brass musical instrument in the tuba family. Most are B♭ basses, but they also commonly exist in E♭, F, and tenor sizes, as well as other types to a lesser extent.

The sousaphone is a specialized version of the helicon. The original sousaphone, produced by J. W. Pepper & Son, Inc., had an upright bell, hence the nickname "raincatcher". Later versions differ primarily in two ways: a bell shaped to face forwards with a larger flare, and a bell diameter of 22 to 28 inches, and a "goose-neck" leadpipe which offers greater adjustability of mouthpiece position at the expense of tone quality, while both instruments have circular shapes and are designed to be worn on the shoulder.

The instrument is very popular in Central and Eastern Europe and is a common choice for military fanfares. It is used by Ed Neuhauser of the traditional folk band Bellowhead.

The range of the B♭ Helicon is two octaves below that of a B♭ cornet.

History

The helicon is derived from the saxhorn, or the saxtuba. Helicons were first used in the 1860s for use in Cavalry Bands, then later used in Military marching bands.