Mellophone vs. Baritone (What’s The Difference?)

In this article, you are going to learn the differences and similarities between the mellophone and baritone, and which one is easier to learn and play.

Although the mellophone and baritone look quite similar, they have lots of differences. The mellophone is a brass instrument with three-valves, pitched in the F or Eb key. Commonly played in the drum corps and marching bands, it has a tighter embouchure that is similar to a flute.

For most beginning brass players, it is a relatively easier instrument to play.

Meanwhile, the baritone is a low-pitched (Bb), piston-valve brass instrument in the saxhorn family. The instrument has a piston-valve and a deep, cup-shaped mouthpieces, with conical bores. Its sound has a characteristically mellow tone quality that blends perfectly with other brass instruments.

Table of Contents

• Differences Between The Mellophone and Baritone
• Which Is Better: The Mellophone or Baritone?
• Is a Mellophone or Baritone Easier To Play?
  • Baritone
  • Mellophone
• FAQs

Differences Between The Mellophone and Baritone

Mellophones are lighter, smaller, and easier to handle on the field compared to baritones. In the typical DCI arrangement style, mellophone parts tend to have more intricate countermelodies and runs compared to baritone parts, as any experienced baritone player can attest.

In addition, it’s not easy to get an excellent tone on mellophones, compared to baritones. There is also generally very high competition for mellophone spots compared to baritone spots.

Properly holding and marching with a baritone involves more physical work, which takes time and thorough practice. Those not willing to put in the work to hold up a baritone and look confident and strong might be best suited to go for a mellophone. Mellophones can sometimes be easier to improve on.

The embouchure for playing a baritone and mellophone are similar. Both require a strong, well-formed embouchure to produce a clear and in-tune sound. Ultimately, the ideal embouchure for each instrument will depend on the individual player and their specific mouth shape and playing style.

As mentioned earlier, a mellophone is lighter than a baritone. However, a baritone is much easier to pick up if you’re coming from the woodwind family of instruments. That’s because it has a larger mouthpiece.

Mellophones are the most pitchy brass instrument. The primary challenges with learning this instrument will be intonation and tone. Its partials are comparable to those of a trumpet.

Depending on your horn, you might come across different problems with the notes. For instance, if you use a Jupiter Quantum mellophone, you will find it extremely difficult to keep the Concert Bb or the High F in tune.

When Concert G or a D is not on a Dynasty mellophone, the High F’s are in tune, but the D’s are not.

You may want to sound similar to a French horn in tone, depending on your director’s mouthpiece choice. It is easier to get that dark sound switching from a baritone to a mellophone. It is also easier to get a dark sound on a mellophone mouthpiece than a trumpet mouthpiece, which a good number of mellophone players use.

Which Is Better: The Mellophone or Baritone?

Baritones can be heavy and difficult to manipulate. On the other hand, a mellophone can be easier to play for beginning brass players. Most players report that they find the mellophone easier to play in registers.

PMV Top Pick – Get the perfect introduction to the baritone with this beginner-approved instrument.

Some players also claim that they find the feel and sound of a mellophone to be highly dependent on the mouthpiece used. A small, trumpet-sized mouthpiece on a mellophone can provide an incredible range and flexibility. However, pitches might not center well, and can have a thin tone. Other players have reported that when they use an alto horn mouthpiece, the instrument character changes completely. They get a thick, rich sound.

PMV Top Pick – Start your musical journey on the right foot with this mellophone, designed with beginners in mind.

Is a Mellophone or Baritone Easier To Play?

That depends on an individual’s perspective and skill set. Brass instruments require the most blown air, which can be difficult for lots of people to handle when they’re first starting out. Of course, other players might find it easy.

Generally speaking though, it is easier to march mellophone and easier to play baritone.

It’s probably best to try out both instruments by playing a simple tune after doing some quick studying up on how to play the instrument at a “101” level.

Regardless of which one you choose, it’s important to pick out a good book to start learning. Here are a couple of bestsellers we’d recommend starting with.

Baritone

Mellophone

Lastly, don’t pick an instrument simply because you’ve heard it’s easy to play. Its sound may not be what you are looking for. When it comes to deciding between a difficult brass instrument that you like, or an easy instrument that you dislike, it might be well worth it to pick the difficult instrument that you like.

You could end up playing that instrument for a good portion of your life, and it will only take you a brief period, relatively speaking, to nail down your skills! Go for what you’re most interested in, since you’ll probably be spending some long hours of “1 on 1 time” with the instrument as you get the basics down.

Pick a brass instrument that you enjoy, and your learning period will be easier. Like we’ve mentioned, try out both if you can, and pick the one you like the best!

FAQs

Also Read:

• Mellophone vs. Trumpet (What’s The Difference?)
• Mellophone vs. French Horn (What’s The Difference?)
• Tuba vs. Baritone (What’s The Difference?)
• Euphonium vs. Baritone (What’s The Difference?)