This is a modern reproduction of an Over-The-Shoulder Eb Bass saxhorn. The over-the-shoulder configuration for brass instruments is usually attributed to  bandleader Allen Dodworth for use by US military bands in the 1850s and 1860s’. It is reported, however, that European trombones with bells over the shoulder existed earlier and some were known to have been imported into the US.  The design is a modification of Adolph Sax's conical bore saxhorn. 

These instruments, known as "backard blasters", which range from Eb and Bb cornets to massive Eb and Bb bass saxhorns,  have rear–pointing bells which reportedly helped the infantry following the band to march in step to the music. Soon after the Civil War, band leaders finally realized that the troops marched to the drums anyway - and that the admiring crowds would better appreciate the band music with horns facing forward or upright. As with most band brass instruments before WWI, the OTS instruments were tuned to A=452 (A=440 did not become the international standard until 1920). This Bass was designed to be played in high pitch but has a sufficiently long tuning slide to be tuned to modern pitch.  (see Paper on High/Low pitch horns)


This Eb Bass was hand crafted by Robb Stewart of Acadia California in 2001 as one of a set of OTS instruments ordered by the 3rd Florida Regimental Band for US Civil War Re-enactments. Robb is world renown for his painstaking restorations of period brass as well as his high quality reproductions which feature superior intonation and flexibility. The rotary valves are top action string operated configuration consistent with Civil War era horns.  The 4th valve is operated by the left hand permitting access to the lower register.  Note the lack of a water key  consistaant with early to mid 19th century brass.  A particularly useful feature in this instrument (not found in original OTS basses) is the screw-off bell section which greatly facilitates transport of this tall bass - which measures 53 inches overall. The bell measures 12 inches in diameter.  In the 3rd photo below, I have added a 90 degree tuning bit to permit the horn to be used as a strange looking upright tuba when I played it at Tuba Christmas 2006 (bottom Pic)!!