Ancestor of the tuba or sousaphone

BASS HORN

This brass instrument from the early 1800s was often used in military bands and had a circular shape, bridging the gap between the French horn and modern low brass. Think of its name as a blend of pitch and shape.

The bass horn is an early brass instrument that directly influenced the development of modern tubas and sousaphones. It was a valveless or keyed brass instrument with a deep, resonant tone, often used in military bands before the tuba became standard. The clue points to its role as a precursor, making it a straightforward historical reference rather than a wordplay puzzle. Think of it as the "grandparent" of the tuba family.