The helicon is a brass musical instrument in the BB-flat Bass family. It is the predecessor of the sousaphone, and both instruments have circular shapes and are typically worn over the shoulder. A distinguishing characteristic of the helicon is a smaller diameter in the coiled chamber which forms the body of the instrument. The instrument is very popular in central and eastern Europe and is a common choice for military fanfares. Its range is two octaves below that of a cornet.[1]
History
The helicon is derived from the saxhorn.[1]
Helicon family
The German manufacturer Melton developed these instruments using the acoustical proportions of the mighty Červený Imperial BB-flat Contrabass Helicon:
- Soprano in E-flat
- Alto in B-flat
- Tenor in E-flat
- Baritone in B-flat
- Bass in F (or EE-flat)
- Contrabass in BB-flat (or CC)
