3J construction question

DCottrell · Post by **DCottrell** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 7:10 am

I just finished cleaning a 3J that a customer claims came from the Chicago SO (thru another owner--I don't think he's enough of an afficianado to realize what that might mean, and I frankly don't think it is significant). It has the Christmas tree braces and has guard ribs on the back as well as the outside of the bottom bow and large branch. It seems heavier than the other Conn 3J and 4J tubas that I've seen. I also noticed all that the tuning slides have stockings installed, like a trombone slide, except for the 2nd and the downward facing TS's. The main TS also has a stocking. By stocking I mean a tube of larger diameter on the inside slide tube of the TS, to facilitate more free action. I don't mean LEGGS, if that's where you're going.

Anyway, I don't see a lot of 3J's. I was wondering if this was standard or if this was either a one-off thing or an older production practice. The serial# dates is GI 990250, a # that I can't place as all the G's in the list I have are "GA". Thanks

Phil Dawson · Post by **Phil Dawson** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 1:50 pm

My horn is at school and I will try to check it in the AM. It's the first day of school so I will do my best. The gaurd ribs sound right as do the braces but I'll have to check on the socks. My horn is heavier than the 5Js in B-flat I've seen.
Phil