Editing Sousaphone (section)

==Varieties==
Although most major instrument manufacturers have made, and many continue to make, sousaphones, [[C. G. Conn|Conn]] and [[King Musical Instruments|King]] (H.{{nbsp}}N. White) instruments are generally agreed among players to be the standards against which other sousaphones are judged for tone quality and playability.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} Perhaps the most highly regarded sousaphone ever built is the {{convert|0.734|in|mm|adj=mid|-bore}} Conn model 20K, introduced in the mid-1930s and still in production. Some players, especially those who find the 20K too heavy for marching, prefer the slightly smaller {{convert|0.687|in|mm|adj=mid|-bore}} King model 1250, first made in the late 1920s and also still in production as model 2350.  Historically, [[Holton (Leblanc)|Holton]], York and [[Martin Band Instrument Company|Martin]] sousaphones have also been considered fine horns.

Very large bore (>= 0.750&nbsp;inch) sousaphones, with oversized bells as large as {{convert|32|in|cm}} in diameter, were made by Conn ("Grand Jumbo" [46K (3-valve) & 48K (4-valve)]) and King ("Jumbo" [1265 (3- & 4-valve versions)] & "Giant" [1270 (3-valve) & 1271 (4-valve)]) in the mid-1920s and 1930s, and by Martin, York, & [[Buescher Band Instrument Company|Buescher]], but they disappeared from the catalogs during the Depression or at the onset of [[World War&nbsp;II]]. Because of their weight and cost, few were made and even fewer survive, especially the 4-valve models.

===Fiberglass===
[[File:Street performers on Carrefour de l'Europe, Brussels, BE (DSCF6730).jpg|thumb|Street performer playing the sousaphone]]
Since 1961, sousaphones have been available made of fiberglass reinforced plastics instead of brass; RMC-Reynolds announced their new 18-pound instrument that year (branded as "Reynolds" or "Martin")<ref>"An RMC First" (advertisement). Music Educators Journal 48:2 (November-December 1961), 8.</ref> and Conn's 16-3/4-pound 36K debuted soon thereafter.<ref>"Another Contribution in Sound...Conn's New Fiberglass Sousaphone" (advertisement). Music Educators Journal 48:3 (January 1962).</ref> King first advertised its new 18-1/2 pound "1280" model in 1964,<ref>"The King Fiberglas Sousaphone is Here" (advertisement). Music Educators Journal 50:3 (January 1964).</ref> as did Holton with its FG-122<ref>"Light-Might-Bright-Right" (advertisement). Music Educators Journal 50:30 (January 1964).</ref> and Selmer with its Buescher-division instrument.<ref>"Music Industry: New Buescher Instruments." Music Educators Journal 51:1 (September-October 1964), 143.</ref><ref>"New Buescher BBb Sousaphone" (advertisement). Music Educators Journal 51:2 (November-December 1964).</ref> Olds first advertised its fiberglass instrument in 1966.<ref> "Look Who's Playing Sousaphone Now" (advertisement). Music Educators Journal 52:5 (April-May 1966).</ref> The fiberglass versions are used mainly for marching, with brass instruments being used for all other situations. Fiberglass sousaphones can be found commonly in younger marching bands, such as middle schools, due to their lighter weight. Depending on the model, the fiberglass version does not have as dark and rich a tone as the brass (King fiberglass sousaphones tended to have smooth fiberglass and a tone somewhat more like a brass sousaphone; Conn fiberglass sousaphones often had rough fiberglass exteriors and a thinner sound; the Conn is also lighter).{{citation needed|reason=this is relatively controversial opinion and needs citation to be included|date=March 2019}}

===Additional valves===
In the 1920s and 1930s, four-valved sousaphones were often used by professional players, especially E{{flat}} sousaphones; today, however, four-valved B{{flat}} sousaphones are uncommon and are prized by collectors, especially those made by Conn, King (H.{{nbsp}}N. White), and Holton. [[Jupiter Band Instruments|Jupiter Company]] started production of four-valve BB{{flat}} sousaphones in the late 2000s, and [[Dynasty USA]] makes a four-valve BB{{flat}} sousaphone as well. Criticisms of the fourth valve on a sousaphone center on additional weight, although the fourth valve improves intonation and facilitates playing of the lower register.

Due to the large size of most sousaphones, the sub-contra register (for which the fourth valve is largely intended) is already covered by alternate resonances, known as "false tones" (see [[Tuba]] article). Many beginners are not aware of the false-tone resonances on their sousaphones because these notes reside in the sub-contra register, which is nearly impossible for most beginners to access. Some professionals develop a "raised embouchure" to securely play these notes. This is where either the upper or lower lip (depending on the player) takes up most of the mouthpiece area. The embouchure provides almost twice the room for vibration of the single lip (compared to the 50–50 embouchure).

===Non-American sousaphones===
Asian sousaphones made in China and India are gaining popularity in the street band market. In Switzerland and Southern Germany, "[[Guggenmusik]]" bands often use these instruments that provide great display and passable tone. Most are tuned in E{{music|flat}}. Brands like Zweiss with older British designs make affordable sousaphones that have broken the €500 barrier. These are mostly in the medium-bell size of {{convert|23|in|mm}}. Chinese brands are mostly [[Reverse engineering|reverse-engineered]] models and quite passable.