| Description | owner called it an "alto french horn"
GSMONKS: I am not sure what the Bb horns are used for in the US, which is why I have not said anything.
Prior to the Bb horns, mellos were usually an Eb or F horn in single form, and in "deluxe" form came with various ways and means to play in Eb, D and C for F horns, and D and C for Eb horns. These horns also often came with 2 mouthpieces, one mello sized and one trombone sized.
The Bb horns, however, are more modern, and seem to parallel the Bb marching "French" horns, which is what I assume they were used for- to play Bb "French" horn parts.
The thing is, however, that here in Canada we never see Bb "French" horn parts in band music, and we only very rarely see physical examples of Bb marching "French" horns and mellophones.
I am sure both types of horns are still made (mellos and Horns in Bb), but I do not know where in the US they are used or where the music comes from or what type of band music is involved.
HORNDAWG: well, I have never seen a Bb mello (but I have not seen that many mellos at all), but Bb french horns play regular F parts. Like tuba players, you just change fingerings. The purpose of using a Bb horn is to spread the partials back out a bit where they start to get treacherous on the longer F horn. So, you would never see any Bb french horn parts, nor would you know (unless you were particularly observant and the horn player was using a Bb single, rather than playing on the Bb side of a regular double horn) that the F part was being played on a Bb horn.
I know, it gets rather convoluted. Imagine when you add Bb/f alto descants and triple horns into the mix!
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