The ophicleide has approximately the same range as the euphonium  which replaced it, and a similar type of mouthpiece. However,  unlike the euphonium, which has piston valve…s that lower the pitch  of the instrument to fill in the gaps between the notes of the  natural harmonic series, the ophicleide has between 9 and 12 keys,  similar to those of a saxophone, which raise it. The ophicleide  differs from the saxophone, however, in that all but one of the the  keys are closed when not in use. The fingering pattern is not such  as to make sense to a woodwind player, but is analagous to the use  of the valve combinations of modern brass. (MORE)

There is no such thing as an "inexpensive ophicleide". This somewhat eclectic instrument is undergoing something of a renaissance in the 21st century, partly because of US soc…ieties who wish to reconstruct the type of military band used in the American Civil War, and partly on account of its unique tonal characteristics that make it indispensable for "period instrument" concerts of orchestral music from the first half of the 19th century. Even wrecks of instruments offered for restoration can now command a reasonable price. The best way of finding an ophicleide MN paying condition is to consult regularly those websites offering early brass instruments for sale, if which there are are now a fair few on the Internet. But do not expect a cheap price! Mike (MORE)