Mellophonium, F, low pitch

Maker C. G. Conn, Ltd.

Date1970

Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America

Model16-E Mellophonium

Serial No.N54784

SignedEngraved on bell: CONN / ELKHART – IND / U.S.A.
MarkingsStamped on right side of second valve casing: N54784
Stamped on pistons: N54784
Cast balance weight: CONN
Stamped on valve casings, upper valve caps and pistons, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, double loop, straight bell, counter weight, tuning slide after fixed L-shaped leadpipe, three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), bottom-sprung, alignment by one key on piston (crysteel), single water key at main tuning slide, windway 1-2-3.

Silver-plated brass mouthpiece, stamped: CONN – MELLOPHONE / 2

The mellophone with straight bell, called mellophonium, was first introduced by C. G. Conn, Ltd., in 1957. The most famous use was in Stan Kenton’s Mellophonium Band between 1960 to 1963.

DimensionsHeight: 613 mm
Tube length: 1821 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 9.8 mm, 8.3 mm, 12.7 mm, 12.7 mm (0.5 inches)
Bell diameter: 282 mm (11 1/4 inches)
ProvenancePurchased from Express Music, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 1989.
Published ReferencesSabine Katharina Klaus, Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 4: The Heydey of the Cornet (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2022), pp.234-35, 297.

Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999

Object number06971

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