A mellophone is a brass musical instrument with three hand-pressed valves similar to a trumpet. It can be tuned to the key of F, B flat, or E flat. Mellphones can replace the French horn in drum and bugle corps and marching bands.
Typical mellophones have front-facing bells that send the sound from the player’s direction. Its large bores produce loud sounds better heard in wide, outdoor venues such as football fields and stadiums. It can be used with different mouthpieces including the cup and the horn.
Types of Mellophones
Kinds of Mellophones include the following:
Silver mellophones
This type of mellophone has silver-plated finish and is mainly used as a marching instrument for parades, football games, and drum corps competitions. Most silver mellphones are made up of three pistons, 10-inch diameter bells, a 0.462-inch diameter bores, slide thumbhooks for the first valve, and mouthpieces.
Brass mellophones
A brass mellophone has a unique yellow gold color. It has a commanding solo voice ideal for section and solo performances. Its full sound also blends well with other orchestral instruments. Most brass mellophones are made up of 0.468-inch diameter bores, a 10.5-inch diameter bells, three pistons, movable third slides, and slide saddles.
Choosing Mellophones (Buying tips)
Finish: To protect your mellophone from rust, weather damage, and corrosion build-up, choose one with a smooth lacquer.
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