Hüttl E♭/F "Mellophonium" (1960's)

This instrument is a classic Mellophonium in E♭/F manufactured by Hüttl, likely dating back to the 1960s. While the horn shows some honest signs of wear and tear from decades of use, it remains in good, solid playing condition. It represents a fascinating era of brass instrument design, combining a striking look with a very specific setup.

The most interesting feature of this model is its ability to switch keys between E♭ and F. This is achieved by rerouting the airflow, switching the main tuning slide from the extra loop directly into the first valve tubing. In practice, however, this transition is not quite as seamless as intended. The slide doesn't fit as smoothly into the tubing as it should, requiring a bit of patience and care during adjustment.

From an acoustic standpoint, the choice of key significantly impacts how the instrument plays. The intonation in F is noticeably better and more stable than in E♭. However, despite these tuning differences and the tight fit of the slide swap, both settings remain surprisingly playable and offer a unique glimpse into the character of mid-century brass design.