Posted by Art on August 09, 2001 at 22:41:30:
In Reply to: Helicon I.D. - modification posted by Steven on August 09, 2001 at 15:27:34:
Do it yourself and have fun. There are plenty of junk sousaphones around with valve sections that can be salvaged. Find one with roughly the same size tubing as is on the helicon, and fire up the propane torch. You may have to spend 50-60 bucks for a leadpipe, since they are always the first thing to get smashed, but they are easy to obtain from dealers and repair shops. Although it won't be everyone's dream tuba, you may end up with something that is fun to play. If so, you can always spend money later fixing it up. Mine has served me well for more than 30 years, untouched by any professional repair person. If it turns out to be a dud then you can sell it on ebay and recover most of what you spent on it.