ENDED Vintage 1924-34? Conn 80J BBb Recording Bell Tuba

[Thom]

I have a Conn 80J recording bell, 5/4 BBb 4 FA piston valves, tuba, according to the Conn serial number website S/N 218XXX is 1924-34. This tuba functions beautifully, the valves and slides work properly. The sound is big and full and it plays very well. I have come to the realization that it is way too big for me at 63 years old and I am sticking with the Couesnon tuba.

THIS TUBA IS NOR FOR SALE ANYMORE.

[Thom]

Good luck with the sale.

https://mackbrass.com/tu422l-3%2F4-bbb-tuba

Might wanna check out something like this when you’ve got cash in hand. 4 valves in a small package.

[Thom]

Good luck with the sale.

https://mackbrass.com/tu422l-3%2F4-bbb-tuba

Might wanna check out something like this when you’ve got cash in hand. 4 valves in a small package.

I appreciate the heads up, but I truly believe I will be just fine with the 3 valve. The community band I play in does mostly intermediate tunes, I have yet to see anything below low F. Thanks for your current and past input, it is appreciated.

[Thom]

Good luck with the sale.

https://mackbrass.com/tu422l-3%2F4-bbb-tuba

Might wanna check out something like this when you’ve got cash in hand. 4 valves in a small package.

The more I think about it the more attractive that Mack tuba seems. I just have a bit of trepidation because that price seems really low. Is that tuba a used horn or a Chinese horn that has been modified? Just wondering

[travisd]

Those are new horns that Mack imports. I can't say if they're built to their own specification or just selected from the available models that the factory produces or what. Mack is a pretty lean operation - they import, sell, and ship out to buyers. I've had their 210 model for about 2 years now and am very happy with it. I was able to drive down to their warehouse in VA and pick it up - in theory saved a couple of $$ and got to compare models before deciding.

[Thom]

Those are new horns that Mack imports. I can't say if they're built to their own specification or just selected from the available models that the factory produces or what. Mack is a pretty lean operation - they import, sell, and ship out to buyers. I've had their 210 model for about 2 years now and am very happy with it. I was able to drive down to their warehouse in VA and pick it up - in theory saved a couple of $$ and got to compare models before deciding.

After much input from this forum and some self evaluation, I have decided to keep the Couesnon for awhile and work on improving my playing and getting my chops back. I need to focus on making music, not getting the latest and greatest equipment.

[Thom]

I have decided that I will keep both tubas for now. I have spent too much already and buying another tuba is not prudent at this time. I thought the Conn 80J 4 FA valves tuba was too heavy until I weighed both tubas for possible shipping. The 5/4 Conn weighs 25 pounds and the 3/4,(or 7/8’s?), 3 TA valves Couesnon weighs only 18 pounds. I believe even a 3/4 4 valve is going to weigh anywhere between 19 and 22 pounds. I figure the difference is not that much, I am not going to stress over a 5-7 pound difference. So I am keeping both tubas. I will just be careful with my back when moving either one. I am going to use the Conn as my primary tuba, and the Couesnon as a backup. Thanks for putting up with the flip-flopping.

[Dents Be Gone!]

I agree, guys. This is the way to go.

[Thom]

Are you outside the return window? Seems like you just received this not too long ago.

I don’t want to return it. I love the way this tuba plays, sounds and feels. I just was thinking it was too heavy to lug around. I got a large cart for moving it and that makes it much easier to move. It is an antique that happens to be very playable. I just get wild thoughts and tend to overreact because of the ADHD. Of course at 63 and many back surgeries and procedures the H is more in my head than physical, these days, lol.

[hrender]

Good luck with both! Having too many tubas is a common problem hereabouts.

[Thom]

I would just like to add this about the Conn tuba. I think I got lucky finding this tuba for the price. It only looks about 25-35 years old but according to the serial number on the top of the second valve and Conn/Seller’s serial number 218348 look up it is dated to 1924. I understand the valve could have been replaced before I got it, but it has to be 20’s to 40’s because Conn stopped making detachable recording bells in the 8X-J series, from what I can find on the internet. Also, it only weighs 25 pounds but it is a 5/4 size. The other thing is that it is stamped on the body bell tenion with 80J even tough it is 4 FA piston valves like an 82J. All things considered I got a prize. It is old but plays beautifully and is very easy to play in tune.