TubaForum.net

I know these are rare, but hey... You never know.

Email me if you've got one!

Or can make/modify one??

Bump

Anyone? Anything? Motivated buyer...

I know of someone with a Kanstul bell that fit that horn, but not sure if it was a special sized collar retrofit or what not. BTW, check your e-mail.

Kanstul made replacement 20J upright bells for a little while, maybe 10 years ago? They weren't cheap, but they were new, and they were pretty nice. I'd love to find one of those. Or an authentic Conn upright bell. The forward bell just isn't practical for me, though.

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 05, 2021 10:50 am Kanstul made replacement 20J upright bells for a little while, maybe 10 years ago? They weren't cheap, but they were new, and they were pretty nice. I'd love to find one of those. Or an authentic Conn upright bell. The forward bell just isn't practical for me, though.

Maybe Dan Schultz or Norm can use the collar/tenon off that recording bell and make an upright bell? Norm has a TON of stuff in storage that might work. May not be super pretty but it'll be functional.

What's your budget for an upright bell?

Bort, I went down the bell rabbit hole with a 34J. Found an original 19( I think) bell at a store called Stone Age Antiques while on a break during a Ray Charles job in Miami. I thought I'd hit the jackpot and used it at the Rat for a couple of years then one day Chris Olka stopped by on his way back from a huge flea market called Renniger's in Mt. Dora with a 20J with the original 24'(?) upright which kinda pulls you to the right due to the size and weight but the difference in the sound was undeniable. I put it on my 34J and the horn just erupted with sound. I had always figured that smaller diameter = more clarity but on my horn and the 20J that came with it the bigger bell just lit it up. There was a big one up a while back. I seem to remember the guy as Saxophyte in silver for a good price on here or the other place. It's just my experience but if there's someplace you could try both, Dan Tuba had, I think, both on the block when he was selling a 25J a little while back. Mabye shoot him a PM just for grins. I played my own 24J, my high school's 25J, and the Army's 24J from 8th grade to my second year in the Army band and very much like them. Good luck man, Ed

I bought all the sousaphones and tubas at Stone age a couple years ago even his parts .They have new owners real hard to deal with now. I sold my silver bell a couple months ago.I do have access to a 20k 26 inch bell flare only ,if you want to make your own .
good luck .

Sent you a PM Tyler. Basically... Depends what the product is (original, Kanstul, condition...)

I have no real preference between original Conn and Kanstul -- first available. Something manufactured from another bell is a *maybe*. I don't think I'd be interested in a 26 inch upright bell though, but thanks for mentioning it.

That 26in bell would give you a real lap sousaphone though...

What about a Fafner bell?

Mithosphere wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 2:15 pm What about a Fafner bell?

Sounds expensive, but I'd do it. Got one?

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 2:52 pm

Mithosphere wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 2:15 pm What about a Fafner bell?

Sounds expensive, but I'd do it. Got one?

Nope, but I know it fits the Conn body.

Mithosphere wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 3:05 pm

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 2:52 pm

Mithosphere wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 2:15 pm What about a Fafner bell?

Sounds expensive, but I'd do it. Got one?

Nope, but I know it fits the Conn body.

That helps! Thank you

I really like the Conn 2XJ Tubas. I have used them for a long time, both in my job in the Army, and in community ensembles. The Kanstul, original upright, and recording bells all work well for different playing situations.

Just stay on the lookout. An original, or Kanstul upright bell will eventually become available. Many people buy these tubas and sell them shortly afterwards

Excerpt of Jabba the Hutt with the Kanstul upright bell.
https://youtu.be/5neB-X4bgEI

Dan Tuba wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 6:02 pm I really like the Conn 2XJ Tubas. I have used them for a long time, both in my job in the Army, and in community ensembles. The Kanstul, original upright, and recording bells all work well for different playing situations.

Just stay on the lookout. An original, or Kanstul upright bell will eventually become available. Many people buy these tubas and sell them shortly afterwards

Excerpt of Jabba the Hutt with the Kanstul upright bell.
https://youtu.be/5neB-X4bgEI

Thanks! Would you care to see any more about what the differences between the original and the Kanstul would be in terms of the different playing situations you mentioned?

Kanstul upright bell:
- much easier to maneuver in tight spaces
- offers a little more clarity
- easier to balance, shape the sound if playing with smaller ensembles

Conn Original upright bell:
- "the" sound is amazing (very resonant)
- legato/slurs are easier/smoother
- intonation, surprisingly is a little better for me

Most of the perceived differences are very subtle. Since I play a lot of small ensemble jobs(BQ) in addition to concert/ceremonial band jobs, and space is sometimes limited, I usually use the Kanstul upright bell. However, my favorite of the two upright bells is the Original. My favorite bell overall is actually the recording bell

Bump!