TubeNet

I stumbled across this webpage today... Hopefully they have some contributors to this BBS! Let's hear from you!!!

http://20j.marchingsoutherners.org/home.htm

Didn't go to JSU, but I knew a few of their band folks. From about 1950 'til now, they've had a great marching band. It leans towards drum corps style now; they used to be more traditional I think.

The sound of those 20 and 24J's is, as expected, really HUGE. Check out their JSU Band page - they have tons of recordings.

Adam C. wrote:they have tons of recordings.

better men than me

If you ever get the opportunity to hear these guys/gals live, do so - it is a real treat!

That satin-silver finish on the 20Js looks too uniform from horn to horn (i.e., not so much as a fingerprint visible) to be real. Are these 20J's perhaps painted?

I emailed the webmaster and invited him to TubeNet if he's not already a member. But I would imagine that school is out so he may not respond.

I wondered about the color of those horns too! I searched thru some of the gallery images and found these. (I also suggested a gallery program so viewing the pics would be easier!)





Look familiar??? Their stock pile of parts must be amazing!!!

Take a good look at the gloss on the finish. Looks like paint (or colored lacquer) to me. Imron, maybe?

I sold my 20J to JSU a couple of months ago. They usually march 20 or them but plan to expand their tuba section to 30 shortly. Gotta be an awesome sight!

There was a really nice 20J that recently sold on Ebay and I saw in the school message board (I think!) That it was going to be #29 in their collection! I'd love to see & hear them!!!

Tim

Chuck(G) wrote:

Take a good look at the gloss on the finish. Looks like paint (or colored lacquer) to me. Imron, maybe?

Imron bubles when then metal is dented (believe me, I know, don't ask... ) and also doesn't touch up very well. Looking at the difference in color of their spares, it would seem that they DO paint them, but I'm betting just Bondoâ„¢ and enamel is the ticket (cheaper maintenance). Now their backs are another question...

...and paint doesn't show fingerprints. Just a coat of Turtle Wax every now and then...

A JSU report published in 2002 refers to "a patented paint and lacquer process" used to refinish the schools fleet of Conn 20J's:

http://www.jsu.edu/news/july_dec2002/10222002b.html

Following are the pertinent passages from a very long, multi-departmental report:

"Music

Last winter a 3-year plan to refurbish, restore and rebuild the Conn 20J tubas used by The Marching Southerners was begun. One third of the instruments will be completely rebuilt each year during the planned program. The Marching Southerners is the only band in the country to regularly march this instrument on the field.

Conn 20Js are large, heavy instruments that produce a rich, powerful, yet mellow and melodious tone that is not duplicated by current tubas on the market. The twenty 20Js currently marched by The Southerners form the basis for the uniquely rich foundation that is part of the signature sound for which The Marching Southerners are so justly famous. This tuba has not been built for over thirty years and so restoration involved fabrication of new parts as well as restoration of the finish since parts are no longer available from the original instrument maker. The work was accomplished by Southeastern Instruments of Huntsville, a firm specializing in restoration of antique brass instruments and was the only company capable of handling an undertaking of this size.

The complexity of the job was daunting. Not only did the dents of 50 years of use have to be removed and straightened but often valve casings, lead pipes and other tubing had to be completely fabricated. Upon completion of the metal work, the first tuba was sent to Michigan to be re-silver plated. The metal in the instrument had been so worn and rebuilt over its lifetime that the silver plating proved unsatisfactory. Southeastern developed a patented paint and lacquer process, which was used to complete the refinishing process on the remaining instruments. While the bells of the horns were silver plated, the body of the instruments received the special process, which has rendered them virtually impervious to the corrosive effects of perspiration, dust and water.

The process chronicled in pictorial detail and with extra attention by Paul Sizemore A03, a Marching Southerner, who was apprenticed to Southeastern Instruments during the summer. Paul provided pictures of the progress. The eight 20J players fortunate enough to march the newly restored horns are enthusiastic not only about the improved sound and look of the horns but are also appreciative of the new ease in maintaining the polish and appearance of the instruments. At the conclusion of the 2003 marching season, plans are to send the next installment of instruments for restoration."

I like the look of the horns. No need to buff to a jewel finish. 600 grit emery paper is prbably more than adequate for good finish.

The rest of them are probably up in Minnesota and Wisconsin playing in polka bands somewhere. I know of at least 8-10 up there.

Are the 20J and 24J the same except for valves? Or does the 24J actually have more mass to it??? Does anyone know the dimensions of both horns?

Tim

trseaman wrote:Are the 20J and 24J the same except for valves? Or does the 24J actually have more mass to it??? Does anyone know the dimensions of both horns?

Tim

20J - 3 valves, top action, recording bell.
24J - ditto except for 4 valve top action

Both the upright and the recording bells are 24" IIRC. When you're under the upright bell, it feels like you're playing a beach umbrella.

Chuck(G) wrote:feels like you're playing a beach umbrella.

If positioned right it could be helpful in California!!!

Tim

I'm from Minnesota and have two of the four valve beasts, but I don't do polkas. Unfortunately, my sectionmate who has a 20J, does do polkas, and brings his "polka tone", as our exasperated director calls it, to band with him all too often!!! The big Conns can lead to BAT addiction if one is willing to work with their qwirks. I'd love to have a Martin or a Holton, but as a rank amateur, I have way too much discressionary income tied up in tubas as it is, so a Conn is good enough for me. Gotta run...concert tonight...Yeah!!

the elephant wrote:This is a helluva great photo . . .

Oh, my achin' back!