The sousaphone is a big instrument you often see in marching bands. It’s a part of the brass family, like the tuba.
Back in 1893, a famous American bandleader named John Philip Sousa asked a man named J.W. Pepper to create it, and that’s why it’s named after Sousa. Sousaphone commonly weighs between 20 to 25 pounds (9 to 11 kg).
Now, let’s answer a common question: “How much does a sousaphone weigh?” Knowing its weight is important for musicians because it affects how easy it is to carry and play.
Heavy yet Essential Instrument for Marching Bands
The sousaphone is a fundamental consideration, especially if you plan to join a marching band or play it for an extended period. People can easily play it while standing.
When the talk of the show is musical instruments, sousaphones are the most noticeable ones. Sousaphones are indeed quite heavy.
An ordinary sousaphone weight
An ordinary sousaphone commonly weighs between 20 to 25 pounds (9 to 11 kg). There are, of course, some variations depending on the material used for construction and the brand.
Factors such as additional accessories like cases, necks, and tuning bits, will also contribute to your instructions overall weight, so notice them while deciding.
Fiberglass sousaphone weight
Fiberglass sousaphone weighs about 18 to 20 pounds , while on the other side its brass counterpart tends to be a little heavier tipping the scale at around 25 to 30 pounds.
But don’t let the weight deter you from exploring the world of sousaphones.
Traditional brass sousaphone weight
These sousaphones are indeed pretty heavy. Traditional brass sousaphones are more common and can weigh around 18 to 35 pounds.
Factors on which sousaphones weigh depends
Sousaphones come in various sizes, material compositions, and finishes ultimately impacting their weight.
What is Size and Design of Sousaphone ?
The size of a sousaphone also plays a vital role in its weight. Since sousaphones mostly come in two sizes -3/4 size and full size – the one you choose will determine the overall weight.
A full sized sousaphone will usually be heavier than a 3/4 sized one. As you are choosing your sousaphone, remember to add this factor in your decision making process.
Design of Sousaphone
It is one of those factors on which your sousaphone’s weight depends. Sousaphones with more complex design or additional features such as extra values or braces can weigh more than their simpler counterparts.
While selecting a sousaphone remember that a more complex design might look attractive but could also result in a heavier instrument.
Also remember to consider the sound quality balance and overall construction while selecting.
They all play an important role in the instrument’s weight so, consider them when choosing the best sousaphone for your needs.
What does a sousaphone look like?
The sousaphone is a valved brass instrument in the tuba family. They are originally made of brass.
Unlike a traditional tuba, the sousaphone is bent in a circular shape to fit around the body of the musician.It has a massive bell that points forward, projecting the sound ahead of the player.
The bell is positioned above the tubist’s head. People can easily play the instrument while standing or marching.
How many valves do sousaphone have?
The sousaphone generally has three valves to change the tube length, allowing the musician to produce different sounds or notes.
These valves are situated directly in front of the musician, slightly above the waist, and all of the weight rests on the left shoulder.
Difference between Tuba and Sousaphone
Both brass instruments are played by buzzing the lips inside a mouthpiece to get the particular pitch, while pressing valves to get the particular note.
Tuba is meant to be played while sitting on a chair, on other hand sousaphone is played while standing. The sousaphone’s bell is wider than that of the tuba.
Tuba variants come in different pitches, including BB, EE, CC, and F but most sousaphones are in the key of BB.
What key do sousaphones play in?
Sousaphones are mostly in the key of B♭. This means that when a sousaphone player reads a written C, the actual sound produced is a B♭.
The B♭ sousaphone is generally used in marching bands and outdoor performances due to its practical design and ability to project sound effectively while on the move.
How much do Sousaphones cost?
The average sousaphones can cost from around $1500 to upward of $10000. Buying a used sousaphone is far better than buying a new one.
Used sousaphones are more budget-friendly. You might find a used sousaphone approximately $1,500 and a new one around $10000 .
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the sousaphone heavy?
Yes, the sousaphone is heavy, typically weighing around 20 to 30 pounds.
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How much does a marching tuba weigh?
A marching tuba usually weighs between 40 to 60 pounds.
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How heavy is the heaviest tuba?
The heaviest tuba can weigh up to 50 pounds.
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Is a tuba bigger than a sousaphone?
No, the tuba is not bigger than a sousaphone; the sousaphone is larger in size but designed for easier carrying.
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