Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
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Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
Hi all,
I've read through some posts about these 2 horns and was wondering if there is any significant difference between them.
I currently have a naked lady 20k that plays great. A naked lady 38k has become available and I'm thinking about trading my 20k for it. Is it worth the hassle or do these horns basically perform the same?
I've read through some posts about these 2 horns and was wondering if there is any significant difference between them.
I currently have a naked lady 20k that plays great. A naked lady 38k has become available and I'm thinking about trading my 20k for it. Is it worth the hassle or do these horns basically perform the same?
- iiipopes
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
I have played both:
1) The 38K has a 24-inch bell; the 20K has a 26-inch bell.
2) The 38K has conventional valves; the 20K has the short-action valves, including the offset valve stems.
3) Because of the valve block differences and squeezed valve ports, the 20K has the flat 5th partials, especially 2nd space C 1st valve; the 38K has better overall intonation characteristics.
4) the 38K weighs 35 pounds, and has the flat flange soldered to the bugle to help spread the load on the shoulder, the 20K does not.
5) For me, the 38k sounded best with a PT82 mouthpiece; the 20K sounds equally bad whatever mouthpiece you use.
5) There are other minor differences with the receiver and other small details, but these are the two main differences.
6) For further reference, the Conn Loyalist page: https://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnBass.html .
1) The 38K has a 24-inch bell; the 20K has a 26-inch bell.
2) The 38K has conventional valves; the 20K has the short-action valves, including the offset valve stems.
3) Because of the valve block differences and squeezed valve ports, the 20K has the flat 5th partials, especially 2nd space C 1st valve; the 38K has better overall intonation characteristics.
4) the 38K weighs 35 pounds, and has the flat flange soldered to the bugle to help spread the load on the shoulder, the 20K does not.
5) For me, the 38k sounded best with a PT82 mouthpiece; the 20K sounds equally bad whatever mouthpiece you use.
5) There are other minor differences with the receiver and other small details, but these are the two main differences.
6) For further reference, the Conn Loyalist page: https://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnBass.html .
Jupiter JTU1110, RT-82.
"Real" Conn 36K.
"Real" Conn 36K.
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
I haven't played any sousaphones that are overall "better" than the 20K. Maybe some were as good, in certain aspects. Also, it depends on application. Some sousaphones can offer easier playability in certain types of ensembles/music. For example, the Conn 14K, or old Kings, might be easier for some players to get more "punch." Ultimately, it really depends on the player, what works best for you. So after all that said, try the 38K to see if it's better for you. Best of luck
Conn 25J
Holton 3+1 "Monster" EEb
Wessex XL
Giddings and Kelly Mouthpieces
Holton 3+1 "Monster" EEb
Wessex XL
Giddings and Kelly Mouthpieces
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
For the record, my 1950's Conn 20K weighs 28 lb and DOES have the shoulder flange thing.
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Tom Rice
http://www.superfinecases.com
Mirafone 184 BBb
B&M Marzan BBb
1974 Besson Eb
Tom Rice
http://www.superfinecases.com
Mirafone 184 BBb
B&M Marzan BBb
1974 Besson Eb
- iiipopes
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
Lucky you. The ones I played did not.
Jupiter JTU1110, RT-82.
"Real" Conn 36K.
"Real" Conn 36K.
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
The 20K is the most popular sousaphone among pros. I used mine for a recording session with Columbia Records last winter and use it as my main gigging axe after years of using a 1291. I think you may have tried a lemon or something in awful condition. The fact that it was missing the shoulder plate tells me it was probably just in disrepair
Harry Phillips
1954 Conn Naked Lady 20K
1954 Conn Naked Lady 20K
- iiipopes
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
Well, yes, it was a college instrument. Perhaps a lot of it is the 2nd space C being very low and having to remember to use 1+3. I am not adverse to trying another 20K if the opportunity presents itself. I am probably also spoiled that for the short while I got to use a 38K, it was truly magnificient: well in tune, easy to play, a foundational tone that could shake floors at moderate volume, and seamless transition from low range to privilege tones to true pedal tones; no 4th valve needed.tubaphillips wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 3:16 pmThe 20K is the most popular sousaphone among pros. I used mine for a recording session with Columbia Records last winter and use it as my main gigging axe after years of using a 1291. I think you may have tried a lemon or something in awful condition. The fact that it was missing the shoulder plate tells me it was probably just in disrepair
Jupiter JTU1110, RT-82.
"Real" Conn 36K.
"Real" Conn 36K.
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
The 38k that I had and sold to Matt Perrin, was not a 24" bell. It was 26 inch and I don’t know where the information that the 20k has a 26 inch bell and the 38k has a 24 inch bell got obtained.
It’s a great horn. It’s heavy like hell and it’s why I sold it.
I now play a old Conn 14k stencil (Geo. Bundy) that plays very well and is much lighter.
It’s a great horn. It’s heavy like hell and it’s why I sold it.
I now play a old Conn 14k stencil (Geo. Bundy) that plays very well and is much lighter.
Sylvain Gagnon
Kingston, Ontario
Principal Tuba Kingston Symphony
Music Director, Communications & Electronics Garrison Military Band
Kingston, Ontario
Principal Tuba Kingston Symphony
Music Director, Communications & Electronics Garrison Military Band
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
You gotta be young and strong to play a 35-pound sousaphone!... My 20K is 28 pounds and I can't handle it. My King fiberglass sousa is 18-19 pounds - I forget which - and it is enjoyable to play! Also one of the easiest-to-play tubas I have played.
There is nothing wrong with fiberglass sousaphones... as long as they aren't white...
There is nothing wrong with fiberglass sousaphones... as long as they aren't white...
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Tom Rice
http://www.superfinecases.com
Mirafone 184 BBb
B&M Marzan BBb
1974 Besson Eb
Tom Rice
http://www.superfinecases.com
Mirafone 184 BBb
B&M Marzan BBb
1974 Besson Eb
- iiipopes
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
Three sources: 1) personal measurement of the 38K I got to play; and 2) other threads through the years on both forums that have talked about the bell size on a 38K, including this thread: viewtopic.php?t=43255 . and 3) the page out of the 1924 Conn catalog, attached. It appears you may have had a horn that a 20K bell was retrofitted.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Jupiter JTU1110, RT-82.
"Real" Conn 36K.
"Real" Conn 36K.
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Re: Conn 20k vs Conn 38k
I played a Conn 38K, nickle plated, in College. Marching band, military style.greenbean wrote: ↑Mon Nov 15, 2021 10:18 am You gotta be young and strong to play a 35-pound sousaphone!... My 20K is 28 pounds and I can't handle it. My King fiberglass sousa is 18-19 pounds - I forget which - and it is enjoyable to play! Also one of the easiest-to-play tubas I have played.
There is nothing wrong with fiberglass sousaphones... as long as they aren't white...
I got it because I was (a) a freshman, and (b) stout,
It had to weigh 45 lbs,
Legend was that it was a trade in from the Barnum and Bailey Circus.
if had an incredible sound, just really full and robust without much effort, but damn, was it heavy.