Double Bell Euphonium

The Double Bell Euphonium iHorn is made from an vintage Euphonium, whose age and origin are unknown, but what is known is this is for sure the first of its kind iHorn and most probably the only one ever made because of the rarity and cost of the double bell euphonium.   Regardless, it speaks of the passing of periods of time.  The euphonium is a medium-sized, 3 or 4-valve, often compensating, conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument that derives its name from the Ancient Greek word meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced’.  It’s name is spot on.  The euphonium traces its ancestry to the ophicleide and ultimately back to the serpent. While the serpent was used for over two centuries dating back to the late Renaissance, it was notoriously difficult to control its pitch and tone quality due to its disproportionately small open finger holes. The ophicleide, which was used in bands and orchestras for a few decades in the early to mid-19th century, used a system of keys and was an improvement over the serpent but was still unreliable, especially in the high register.The Euphonium is said to have been invented by Ferdinand Sommer of Weimar in 1843 although this is subject to debate.  The double bell euphonium, often called a "Duplex," is a 19th-century hybrid brass instrument featuring a main euphonium bell and a smaller, auxiliary trombone bell. Popularized in the U.S. from the 1880s to the 1920s, it allowed players to switch between a warm tone and a brighter, trombone-like sound using an extra valve. Production ceased by the 1960s due to tuning issues.The Double Bell Euphonium’s tenor voice balances the warmth and brightness which mark both music and life.  It is in fact, sweet voiced.