10J out there?

[Mikelynch]

Anyone have a Conn 10J in good cosmetic and mechanical condition, that they would like to sell?

I played one for a few months many (many) years ago, and have fond memories of playing it, and would like to revisit that.

I’m in Columbus OH.

Thanks!

Mike

[Richard III]

I would encourage you to look beyond looks. I found mine with a bit of a crushed bell and a few sizable dents. Repairs weren't too expensive. It is a joy to play. It is also the only one I found after looking for quite some time. I bought mine last summer for under $600. I notice that there's one on Ebay right now for $2300.

[arpthark]

Mike, there is a nice one listed on Facebook Marketplace near Albany, NY for $800. They might consider shipping, maybe worth an inquiry. Same seller is also selling an old Besson BBb 4v compensator.

[catgrowlB]

There were a couple of 10j's that sold for cheap on ebay and they were in decent/OK shape just a couple weeks ago. I looked very closely at the pics and the better one actually went for less because the lacquer was ugly. Of course there were dents, but not too bad.

I myself won/bought a very nice silver pre-10j made by Elkhart Band Instrument Co. It is identical to the 10j --> .695" bore, 18" bell, about 34" tall, 3 top pistons, etc. The tuba never had a bell crease....until it was shipped to me
But I smoothed it out very nice and did a few needed solders on it, snaked the mouthpipe, got the valves and slides lubricated nice and smooth. Cleaned most of the tarnish off.

The tuba plays great; already used it in a couple rehearsals.
Great band tuba (probably great for some quintet ceremonial pieces, too). The false tones are even decent, though it's only a 3 valver. But luckily it plays super easy and in-tune with a nice dark weighty BBb voice for a 7/8 size tuba.
.

[Mikelynch]

Thanks for the suggestions! I am checking in on the one in Albany.

Just for community information, the one on eBay is a frankenhorn, given that it has a detachable bell, and non-original bell stack taper. I previously had another horn from that seller go through my hands (many years ago) that was kludged together from diverse parts, though represented as an original horn.

The quest is on!

Mike

[arpthark]

Well, I said "nice" but looking at the ad again, there are definitely some crumples and rumples. The inclusion of the case is nice, though.

For the curious: https://www.facebook.com/share/oUX5uNqCTGS3qiq1/

[humBell]

On my earlier travels, there was one for sale on ebay an hour out of my way. I asked seller if local pick up worked and sadly got no response. Oh well. Will keep an eye out.

10js have always been fun, although i never know if that is for everyone, or just me with my ear so close to the bell...

[bloke]

Prior to Conn's "Pan American" economy line disappearing, the "Pan American" B-flat was the instrument that became the 10J (just so you have some additional information). The "Pan American" predecessor was a little bit fancier (engraving and bracing).

I sold one here, a while back...
(Gmail was on the verge of charging me for Gmail, so I deleted most of my old and picture-containing emails...so I have no way of hooking up you and the person to whom I sold it.)

I may have sold it to someone out west...(??)





https://imgur.com/pVBQrUV

[catgrowlB]

https://imgur.com/a/c4ynUMG

[catgrowlB]

https://imgur.com/a/c4ynUMG

My Elkhart Band Instruments tuba. Identical to the vintage Pan American and Conn 10j tubas. Notice the nicer/ fancier bell engraving, ferrules and bracing.

[humBell]

Wonderful pics!

Sadly not at the moment, available to the OP, i presume?

Sorry to have started the pontificating instead of being useful...

(but while still pontificating, i found the one time i tried it, i did not like the shoulder strap hook on the upper bow)

[catgrowlB]

Wonderful pics!

Sadly not at the moment, available to the OP, i presume?

Sorry to have started the pontificating instead of being useful...

(but while still pontificating, i found the one time i tried it, i did not like the shoulder strap hook on the upper bow)

Thanks
I was just linking pics of my horn to show it is pretty much a pre-10j; much like bloke did for the Pan American. My Elkhart Band Instruments BBb tuba, the Pan American BBb and the later Conn 10j BBb are pretty much all the same horn --> same .695" pistons/slides valveset, same 18" bell, same bugle, etc. But with different cosmetics --> engraving, bracing, and (on the Elkhart tuba) different ferrules between them.

I'm playing/using my pre-10j tuba --- just got it weeks ago. Not for sale. But I may have a couple other tubas for sale in the future....

Best bet for the OP is the Facebook 10j in Albany, NY. That's a good price for it, especially with the hard case!

[arpthark]

@Mikelynch, I just saw that a member of this board based out of Warren, OH is selling one on FB for $449. If you are a group member, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/EzPug2sZaFYNsuAn/

[bloke]

I have a 60's vintage holding-together-pretty good (oem Conn 10J...and would fit the Pan Am predicessor) hard case here.

It would fit a 10J, but also an old 32-inches-tall TOP-action Holton/York.

I'd sell it, because I know it's TOO SHORT for Besson-and-knock-off 3+1 E-flats.

Shipping isn't cheap, and (please read, other folk) there's NO DAMN WAY that a tuba TALLER THAN 32 inches will fit...ie. NO pads to remove.

The ONLY packing that I would be willing to do would be to fake shrink-wrap it in kitchen plastic wrap and chase that with packing tape.