Title: Mellophonium

Maker: C. G. Conn

Model: 16E

Date: 1963

Geography: Elkhart, Indiana, United States

Material: Brass

Serial Number: C11561

Accession Number: GL-094_A6-04

Provenance: Founding Greenleaf Donation from Conn Museum, 1969 (to be confirmed)

Description

Key: F / E-flat

Pitch: Low

Finish: Brass

Lacquer: Yes

Engraving: Engraved bell with “CONN / ELKHART - IND. / U.S.A.” in striped text, surrounded by striped abstract floral decorations.

Mouthpiece: Yes, mouthpiece stamped “CONN - MELLOPHONE” and “2”.

Accessories: No

Case: No

Notes:

Mother-of-pearl valve caps
This mellophonium is missing the “Conn balancer”, which would have been installed on the horn to properly distribute the weight. Without it, the instrument is unbalanced.
Description written by former curator of The Greenleaf Collection (from The Greenleaf Collection Origin Story):
- [In the alto horn group is an] example of a unique instrument, the mellophonium, invented by Conn in 1957. This horn has a very large bell for its size, producing a clear, penetrating, but very loud tone. It was adopted by Stan Kenton, who had a four-man mellophonium section in his band in the early 1960s; due to their volume, his regular band members insisted they be placed at the far end of the stage. Imagine trumpet players complaining that someone was louder than them!
The 16E mellophonium is described on pages 111 and 113 of the 1968 “Conn Product Manual”. Here is how the Conn company described the 16E:
- The 16E mellophonium is a new “sound” in the alto-voiced family. It was designed to fulfill a new role in the modern stage band programs, as well as a “show” instrument in concert and marching bands. The mellophonium is an ideal doubling instrument for the jazz or stage band musician. It is well balanced and easy to hold. The 16E is quite free blowing in all registers, and has a beautifully rich timbre. The famous Stan Kenton band has achieved a new “sound” by using a full mellophonium section, and has received plaudits from musicians and critics throughout the nation. The 11 1/8” bell on the 16E is straight out front for greater sound projection. With its many uses, the 16E is a new and very important instrument for the modern musician. (Source: 1968 “Conn Product Manual”, page 111)