Posted by Rob Perelli-Minetti on June 03, 1999 at 17:52:36:
In Reply to: Re: Winston J951L posted by Sean Chisham on June 03, 1999 at 15:49:04:
Actually, .670" is in between the .658" bore of the Conn 5J and the .687" bore which is the 'standard' sousaphone bore for both King and Conn (other than the .734" bore 20K). The Yamaha 621 series of horns has a .689" bore and, at least if my YFB621S F is a fair sample is anything but stuffy (plays freely and well down to the pedal CC).
As to bells, the Conn 5J has an 18" bell and the King 2341UB has a 19" bell (the 2341BF has a 22" bell), while the Sousaphones with the same bore sport 26" bells.
The .687" bore is what was traditionally considered a 'medium bore' in the US, with around .750" being considered a large bore. (see Conn or King catalogs from the '30s)
The proof of course will be in the playing. Where are these horns made? How well are they made?