Expert: Kenton Scott - 6/3/2009

Question
I own a Windsor Sousaphone, on the bell is engraved, Windsor Elhart, IND, USA.  The serial #33493, it is a
metal sousaphone, I was just wondering what the age of
the horn. I play it as a BBb horn, but I think one time
someone told me it was C, since it seems not as big as
one of the conn BBb metal one I seen year ago. But it not
as small as the Eb horn either. Any way just wanted an idea
of the age of the horn. Thanks!

Answer
The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Andrew Beardsley. After Beardsley's death in 1928, Elkhart Band Instrument company was merged into the Buescher Company. Elkhart used Bandmaster, Tempo and Windsor as tradenames. Buescher then used Elkhart Band Inst as a trademark.

If you are playing it as a BBb, and it plays in tune with other instruments then it is a BBb, just maybe a smaller bore.