Soprano sarrusophone

The soprano sarrusophone is a high-pitched member of the sarrusophone family of keyed metal conical bore double reed instruments. It is pitched in B♭ with approximately the same range as the soprano saxophone. The timbre is similar to that of the oboe, although louder and less refined, more like a shawm. Although used in wind bands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is today extremely rare, as few original specimens survive. They were made in the late 19th and early 20th century principally by their inventor and Parisian instrument maker Pierre-Louis Gautrot, and his successor Couesnon & Co.. Instruments are also known from manufacturers Evette & Schaeffer, Distin & Co. of London, and Orsi of Milan. New instruments can still be made individually to order from Orsi.