Old Conn, Model Unknown

[Super20J]

I have an olllllld Conn, circa 19-teens. I have yet to find any info on what model or “unknown model” it is. My question for now is, were a lot of the old guts interchangeable?

This tuba has everything EXCEPT the valves. I’m trying to find some that might work.

(Photo forthcoming)
https://share.icloud.com/photos/041TCf9 ... loZwhVXcvA

[arpthark]

My guess is (old model number) Conn 2J E-flat.

https://simonettitubacollection.com/ins ... -piston-7/

Actually, guts/wrap is a bit different. Hmm.

Edit: posting pic for those who can't access iCloud (OP, let me know if you want me to remove this):

[Super20J]

Most likely model but cannot confirm:
https://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/Conn18J ... image.html

[Super20J]

That’s close, but the tubing is a tighter wrap.

My guess is (old model number) Conn 2J E-flat.

https://simonettitubacollection.com/ins ... -piston-7/

Actually, guts/wrap is a bit different. Hmm.

Edit: posting pic for those who can't access iCloud (OP, let me know if you want me to remove this):

[PlayTheTuba]

https://www.horn-u-copia.net/Reference/ ... ument=Tuba

Has more Conn tuba photos. I am guessing it is a low-pitch Giant Eb? At least that's the closest resemblance it has in the photos

[Dave Detwiler]

Can you share the serial number, as well as the basic dimensions (bell diameter, weight)? That might help to hone in on which model it is. Just know that the model numbers (like 2J) didn't appear until around 1921.

Here's everything I've collected so far related to Conn tubas: https://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2022/04 ... -list.html

[Super20J]

20” bell. Horn stands at 3 ft.
152864 - circa 1916?
No other markings other than the bell design.

[Super20J]

I played on a Conn 20J for 10 years. I’m pretty familiar with the lore, hence the reason I’d love to get this playable…if the valves are out there somewhere.

[bloke]

The original 2J E-flat was a small little thing with a 14-in bell and a 5/8 inch bore.

[bloke]

The original 2J E-flat was a little thing with a 14-in bell and a 5/8 inch bore.

There was a similar Pan American, but the tubes coming out of the pistons were a simpler wrap, and actually the bell diameter was larger on the Pan American.

[arpthark]

@Super20J, I may have a lead on some valves for you but you're a new user so you can't send PMs. My repairman has a spare set of Conn valves from a junked Eb horn of similar era. Please send me an email at beanhillbrass at gmail with measurements and maybe we can work something out. I'll be there this weekend and can check them out for you.

[bloke]

If the thing is tiny and has a 5/8 in bore, I believe the Pan American and 2J valves were interchangeable, but I'm thinking that this is a bigger instrument, yes?

[Dave Detwiler]

20” bell. Horn stands at 3 ft.
152864 - circa 1916?
No other markings other than the bell design.

It is most likely, then, that what you have is a C. G. Conn New Invention "Giant" Model Contra Eb Bass, from either 1916 or 1917 (depending on which serial number list you reference). Once again, this would be BEFORE model numbers were being used.

You can see and read about that horn on page 25 of the 1914 catalog, found here: https://www.saxophone.org/museum/publications/id/300

The specs match, although the image on that page is of a four-valve model (thus, the extra tubing you see). Plus I notice that the lead pipe tubing is longer on your horn, which, I wonder, is perhaps making it low pitch?

[Super20J]

I think you are right!

20” bell. Horn stands at 3 ft.
152864 - circa 1916?
No other markings other than the bell design.

It is most likely, then, that what you have is a C. G. Conn New Invention "Giant" Model Contra Eb Bass, from either 1916 or 1917 (depending on which serial number list you reference). Once again, this would be BEFORE model numbers were being used.

You can see and read about that horn on page 25 of the 1914 catalog, found here: https://www.saxophone.org/museum/publications/id/300

The specs match, although the image on that page is of a four-valve model (thus, the extra tubing you see). Plus I notice that the lead pipe tubing is longer on your horn, which, I wonder, is perhaps making it low pitch?

[Super20J]

Sorry I’m just getting to this but I am going to email you ASAP! Thanks!

@Super20J, I may have a lead on some valves for you but you're a new user so you can't send PMs. My repairman has a spare set of Conn valves from a junked Eb horn of similar era. Please send me an email at beanhillbrass at gmail with measurements and maybe we can work something out. I'll be there this weekend and can check them out for you.