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Predecessor: The Serpent
A predecessor of the modern tuba, the serpent was invented by Edme Guillaume in France. This was a low instrument, being in the same octaves as a tuba, however unlike its decendants it is made from wood or ivory instead of brass. None the less, it still forms the backbone for the modern day tuba, as it was the first of its kind to be a lasting solution to the problem of not having low voices in an orchestra. -
The Ophicleide
The Ophicleide was the first tuba ancestor to be made out of brass. Its unique sound did the same job as a serpen t, but was more manageable and easier to use. It also produced a darker tone. It was created by bugle maker Joseph Halliday. Interesting fact is that this instrument is one of the ancestors of a saxophone, which was a woodwind recreation of this unique instrument. -
The Helicon
The Helicon is one of the first instruments to have a distinct tuba shape. Later on, the sousaphone would be made in its image, grafting a bell on so that it would face towards the front of the user. It was created in Russia in 1845 to be used in millitary bands.It was the first widespread iteration of the tuba. -
The Compensating Valve System
The compensating valve system was invented by D. J. Blaikely in 1878. It is designed to extend the range of the instrument, whilst stabilizing the pedals’ pitch. The basis of this principal is that when two or more pistons are used at the same time, the combined length of tubing serves to correctly adjust the pitch. -
The Sousaphone
The Sousaphone, alleged to have been first made by C. G. Conn in 1898, was actually first manufactured by J. W. Pepper in 1893. It was named for John Phillips Sousa, who consistently utilized them in his marches. It is based on the helicon in shape and insrumentation.
