What is the Conn 5JW?

Liberty Mo · Post by **Liberty Mo** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:25 pm

I got the new Brasswind catalog in the mail and it has a description of a Conn 5JW. The verbal description is the same as the traditional 5J, but the picture above it is a Conn 56J CC?

Is this an error, or has the Conn 5J been redesigned in the mode of the Conn 56J CC?

SplatterTone · Post by **SplatterTone** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:26 pm

Slap me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the "W" mean: With case?

Kevin Hendrick · Post by **Kevin Hendrick** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:47 pm

SplatterTone wrote:Slap me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the "W" mean: With case?

Indeed it does:

cgconn.com wrote:BBb, .658" (16.71mm) bore, 18" (457mm) upright bell, four front action valves, lacquered brass, #2 mouthpiece. Hardshell case available (5J-W).

http://www.cgconn.com/content/detail.php?item=5JW

Liberty Mo · Post by **Liberty Mo** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:58 pm

I'm embarrased. I should be slapped for not knowing W meant with case, but I am assuming the catalog photo is a misprint?

On an aside, why did Conn continue to produce the 5J after the roll out of the new version of the 2341, it would seem to be cutting into its own market share?

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:10 am

Don't let the hype or marketing fool you. In spite of the bell being "full sized," the bore and overall size of a 5J is 3/4 to approaching a 4/4, because of its small bore, and more suitable for middle school, whereas a King 2341 is mostly considered a 4/4 or maybe a 4/4-, and in my not so humble opinion about the best high school tuba there is, ever has been, and probably ever will be, as well as being usable elsewhere, depending on your gig.