This is an extremely rare Henry Distin EEb contrabass sarrusophone, SN 9390 Circa 1870.
Henry Distin was a well known and important 19th century maker of musical instruments, first in the UK and later in the United States (after 1876), and this is the only example of a contrabass sarrusophone by him that I am aware of surviving. This instrument bears his makers mark indicating manufacture in the UK, so it is thus pre-1876. Since the sarrusophone was invented in 1856, it must have been made in those 20 years -1870 is a bit of a guess.
In my opinion, the sarrusophone is the best choice for a reed player to play in the contrabass register. Fingering is almost identical to saxophone fingering, the bore is thin enough to allow you to play real phrases, and its a lot less expensive than a contrabass sax or a tubax.
This particular sarrusophone is in very good condition, all things considered. There are patches and repairs visible and a minor crack in the bell ring, but overall this instrument is a survivor and in good solid condition. This horn has just been completely overhauled by our double reed specialist and is ready to play. All new pads, felts, and corks.
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Henry Distin EEb Contrabass Sarrusophone
This is an extremely rare Henry Distin EEb contrabass sarrusophone, SN 9390 Circa 1870.
Henry Distin was a well known and important 19th century maker of musical instruments, first in the UK and later in the United States (after 1876), and this is the only example of a contrabass sarrusophone by him that I am aware of surviving. This instrument bears his makers mark indicating manufacture in the UK, so it is thus pre-1876. Since the sarrusophone was invented in 1856, it must have been made in those 20 years -1870 is a bit of a guess.
In my opinion, the sarrusophone is the best choice for a reed player to play in the contrabass register. Fingering is almost identical to saxophone fingering, the bore is thin enough to allow you to play real phrases, and its a lot less expensive than a contrabass sax or a tubax.
This particular sarrusophone is in very good condition, all things considered. There are patches and repairs visible and a minor crack in the bell ring, but overall this instrument is a survivor and in good solid condition. This horn has just been completely overhauled by our double reed specialist and is ready to play. All new pads, felts, and corks.
Pairs well with
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Henry Distin EEb Contrabass Sarrusophone
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Shipping Information
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Return Policy
We offer an unconditional 30-day return policy to ensure you’re completely satisfied. If you’re unhappy for any reason, return the item for a full refund or full exchange credit (reeds and other consumables are non-returnable once opened). Every instrument we sell is guaranteed to be free of mechanical defects—if an issue arises, contact us and we’ll either reimburse a local repair or provide a prepaid return label for repair, exchange, or refund. If you simply change your mind, you may still return the item for a full refund, but return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless free returns were purchased through Redo at checkout. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
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Shop Warranty:
Brand new items are covered by the full manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise noted (see the individual maker for details). Open box, used, and vintage items include a two-year warranty serviced by our in-house repair shop, and we guarantee every instrument will be free of mechanical defects. Warranty coverage does not include damage from accident, misuse, negligence, improper operation, unauthorized alterations or removed serial numbers, normal wear and routine maintenance, environmental damage (including perspiration, corrosion, or extreme temperature and humidity), lacquer or plating wear, or consumable parts such as springs, pads, and felts. Please see our FAQ for additional details.