King 1240 VS Conn 20J

[b.williams]

How did the King compare to your Besson 3+1 compensating BBb?

[imperialbari]

The King was lighter and more easily blown than any of my BBb basses. The hardest one to play is the Besson, but if I happen to be in good shape it also is a very rewarding tuba to play in the lowest range. The mellowest and smoothest one is the York Master, which however is not as reliable in pitch above the middle C as is the Besson. If I had the space I would have liked to have the King also.

Klaus

[b.williams]

Thanks for your response.

Does the sound of Besson and King tubas compare in the same way the sound of Besson and King euphoniums compare?

Brian

[imperialbari]

As I don’t remember ever trying a King euph, I have no chance to tell. The wider belled Bessons 992 and 994 may be mellower than my old 17" New Standard, but the King is lighter and more flexible than the New Standard, which I find on the stiff side. Yet when I am in a stronger period I like its potential for an organlike fundamental sound. And then I simply happen to be in favour of compensating instruments, even if I also am aware of their shortcomings.

Klaus

[b.williams]

Kluaus,

You have been very helpful. I have a 3 valve 17" New Standard from 1974. I agree that the sound is fantastic.

Thanks for your help.

Brian

[andrew the tuba player]

I have never had experiance with the king. But as far as the conn goes i have to say that the one that i play from my school is one of (and probably is) my favorite horns that i have played. the low range is amazing. Even once you hit the false tones it's good and in tune. I own a 25j (the upright bell, 4 valve version) and the low range is pretty much as good on both. I have never had a problem with clarity on the 20j. i love the short actions and have never had a problem getting any of the faster more nimble passages out. now i can't say the same for the 25j. (i believe it to be a little bigger and know the throat is quite a bit bigger). As far as where to play it, i havn't found a place yet that it hasn't been good. I have played it in my high school band (about 45 people that aren't all the strongest players), my community band of around 70, and my church which is only me, a piano, an electronic keyboard and around 45-50 in the congregation. I have never had a problem over powering and my band director has comented me on how good it can sound. But, don't get me wrong, this horn can definatly 'dominate an ensemble if you want (although i wouldn't suggest it. you'll get the hand ).As far as toughness goes, this and my 25j are the toughest horns i have seen. Like one time at my church, i was getting up to sit with the rest of the congregation when i tripped over my stand. I fell with the 20j and slammed the bell straight into a cendar block wall right on the bottom of the bell. I feared that the bell would be folded in, but, when i turned it around, their wasn't even a scratch. (although i do not condone slamming bells into cendar block walls). So, what i am trying to say is that in my opion the conn 20j is an amazing horn. And, they're not hard to come by either.