Conn 4E Wonder F-Eb Mellophone

Conn 4E Wonder F-Eb Mellophone 1930

Date: 1930. Owner unknown

As can be seen in the picture, this mellophone has alternate slides. It can be tuned in either F, Eb, D or C. The 4E was produced between at least 1900 and 1941, probably being discontinued after 1941. It had a #3 (0.500") bore size.

What Conn said in 1931:
The mellophone is a great "pinch-hitter" for the French Horn and is often used as a substitute for this instrument. Its larger bore, shorter length and more shallow mouthpiece makes it easier to play.
This model is a popular seller. It is built in F with D slide for orchestra work. The Eb slide makes it adaptable for band work and the C slide makes it possible to play directly from piano, violin and song music without transposition.

What Conn said in 1938:
The larger bore, shorter length and more shallow mouthpiece make the mellophone easier to play than the French horn and it is sometimes used as a subsitute horn. Has 3 piston valves, is built in F with rotary change to Eb and slide to C.