Posted by Lee Stofer on August 27, 2001 at 18:40:46:
In Reply to: nice old conn posted by Art on August 24, 2001 at 19:16:57:
Art & Tim,
I think you are talking about two different model instruments. Tim probably has one of the very old 10J BBb tubas, which had 3 top pistons. It was a healthy 3/4 size tuba. There was also an early 10J BBb I believe, that was roughly the size of a Hirsbrunner HB-2. Both of these instruments had a one-piece, upright bell. I think Art must have played on an old 34J or 36J Conn recording bass. In the 1937 catalog, they are listed as professional recording basses with 4 top pistons (pre- short-action). The 34J is an upright-bell horn, and the 36J Wonderphone had a front-bell. At one time, there was also a 4-front-piston 34J made, which had a one-piece upright bell, and was known for having a great sound, but worse intonation than the top-piston models. I'd be interested to see a photo of this instrument.
-Lee Stofer