Posted by Actually a good idea on June 30, 2003 at 19:48:09:
In Reply to: Re: 'raincatcher' question posted by Just Kidding on June 30, 2003 at 14:19:36:
Well, Sousa's band used 4 valve BBb Jumbo Raincatchers. Other than the wrap, those horns were pretty much the equivalent of the Conn Orchestra Grand of roughly the same vintage and bore. Put one on a Wenger sousaphone chair, and it probably wouldn't sound very different than a good modern 6/4 York copy.
People put down sousaphones because all they know are fiberglass monstrosities or 3 valve beaters. In the 'teens and 'twenties, in addition to the raincatchers in Sousa's band and other touring bands, plenty of professionals used 4 valve sousaphones for band and dance orchestra work.