Unlike the serpent, the ophicleide had large tone-holes, almost the diameter of the tubing on which they are mounted, all of which are covered by keys. The ophicleide was very widely used as a bass instrument in the middle years of the last century in wind music of many kinds; it also appeared occasionally as a virtuoso solo instrument. These roles were assumed by the bass tuba and the euphonium respectively.

• Pictures
• Talk by the player
• The sound of the ophicleide
• History
• Technical details

The mouthpiece in these recordings is (2985), mouthpiece for bass trombone, double cup model (Lawback, London, mid 20th century)

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Pictures

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Talk by the player

• about playing the ophicleide.

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The sound of the ophicleide

• Hector Berlioz (1803-69), `Cavatine de Pasquarello' from Benvenuto Cellini (1834-37)

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History

• Maker: Gautrot aîné.
• Place: Paris.
• Date of making: Circa 1860.
• Serial number: 207.

Specific usage history: Previously used by Jean-François Picard of Poitiers.

Current ownership: On loan to the Collection.

EUCHMI Acquisition number: (3590)

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Technical details

• English name: Ophicleide.
• Nominal pitch: Bb
• Overall size: 1108; bell 217.
• Sounding length: Overall length of crook including its distal tenon 1120 (with tuning-slide fully in); le$
• Bore: tuning-slide in crook: proximal leg 18.2, distal leg 23.6; distal end of crook 32.7.
• Diameter of mouthpiece receiver: m.r.t. 11.8 - 11.4.

Technical description: brass; 9 keys; fitting for music card holder. Ligature tuning at crook with binding screw.

Inscriptions: Stamped on crook receiver ferrule "SIDAG" or "SIDAO" (last letter appears to be originally "G", overstamped "O": possibly meant to be SIB or SIb); on side of bell "Gautrot Breveté / a Paris" / trademark "G A" with anchor and rope within ellipse / "B. GIRAULT HUGUET / À POITIERS / 41"; on side of lowest key linkage "207".

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© Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, 1999-2003, 2008.

This page updated: 29.10.08