Looking for Somthing interesting

[EmptyCase]

In addition to me looking for a 5/4 c tuba in prior post, im also looking for somthing that’s, just interesting(tuba/sousaphone type deal). Im currently looking at this helicon in WI and these Martin mammoths in West Virginia. So I though I should just throw this out there because, “why not”(classic last words). My budget is 2k or less(unless we’re talking about BAT’s or jumbos) so just let me know.


















Probably just gunna by the helicon but “eh”

[humBell]

I (also) can confirm that the 3 valve variant of the Conn helicon is great fun to play so i think it (and qualifies it as sompin inturstin)

I have not come cross these rumored Martin Mammoths in WV but enjoyed what came up when i googled it:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/travel ... ammoth.htm

In my own experience (if i recall the tale aright) there was a flooded WV school Martin Mammoth for sale that smelled like a cat had been living in it, and the repair fellow dealing with it said the whole bottom bow was an the verge of falling off, and needed to be entirely resoldered. But it was all worth it for a 24" upright bell, and the sound that comes out of it.

Though i say it without having put up with close proximity to the alleged cat odors...

[EmptyCase]

I (also) can confirm that the 3 valve variant of the Conn helicon is great fun to play so i think it (and qualifies it as sompin inturstin)

I have not come cross these rumored Martin Mammoths in WV but enjoyed what came up when i googled it:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/travel ... ammoth.htm

In my own experience (if i recall the tale aright) there was a flooded WV school Martin Mammoth for sale that smelled like a cat had been living in it, and the repair fellow dealing with it said the whole bottom bow was an the verge of falling off, and needed to be entirely resoldered. But it was all worth it for a 24" upright bell, and the sound that comes out of it.

Though i say it without having put up with close proximity to the alleged cat odors...

The Martin mammoth sousaphones are not listed anywhere officially. There’s a community band up there with 3 of em and I convinced the directors to be willing to sell me one. Not completely set on it though.

[EmptyCase]

I wanna bump this because i now have something more specific in mind. I've been wanting a 4 valve sousaphone(Bb) for a while...

[humBell]

Did ya end up with the helicon?

(Sorry, i wasn't paying attention)

[tubadude]

I've got a few helicons on the market. A 3 valve CC frankencon made up of a Buescher valve set a King Sousa body a 6" chunk of a Conn 10j and a King upright bell. Second is a 1909 King BBb helicon with an added 4th valve. Lastly is a 5 valve Eb/CC 1915 York helicon, the 5th valve switches between Eb and C. The frankencon is 3k, the King is 2.5k, and the York is 2k. Contact me if you want more info.