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I, too, am trying to figure out what model my BBb Conn is. The serial number puts it at 1923. The bell is 22", it's 36" tall and weighs 25 lb. (don't know the bore). It has been suggested that it's a "New Invention" model and it does look very similar to the illustration on the Conn Loyalist site. Do you agree? Any other suggestions? Due to my age and its weight I may be putting it up for sale at some point and would like to know what model it is. There are no markings on it other than serial number and an elaborate engraving on the bell (and someone at some point scratched the tiny initials AEK on the bell). Thanks.

Mike

Cool! It looks like a 4 valve 28J (which is...?).

MikeH wrote:I, too, am trying to figure out what model my BBb Conn is. The serial number puts it at 1923. The bell is 22", it's 36" tall and weighs 25 lb. (don't know the bore). It has been suggested that it's a "New Invention" model and it does look very similar to the illustration on the Conn Loyalist site.

The 1924 catalog that was described in the TUBA journal article I have does not show anything but the 34 and 36J BAT's, unfortunately. But this tuba (without being identified) in the hands of H. A. Pancratz. The description isn't helpful, but here it is: "Bass player of the Fireman's Band of Ketchikan, Alaska, purchased one of the late model Conn Basses. There are a number of Bands in Alaska that are full equipped with Conn instruments and this is one of them. 'About a month ago I bought one of your Basses and find it to be perfect in tune and tone [sic]. The valve action works like that of a cornet."

These two catalog excerpts are my only source, so I have to stop there if I'm going to claim fact. I would be wary of treating the Loyalist site like a first source--it is subject to the same speculations we are. As we have seen, the 34J and 36J model numbers change right in the period the Loyalist page shows, and that change has corrupted the presentation of model numbers (which describes the 34J as a bell up and the 36J as a bell front). One model is from the older series and the other from the newer series. Only the catalog pages clarify that. Conn recycled those model numbers from time to time.

That said, look at the picture of the 28J Monster Front Action Bell Up Bass on the Loyalist site. That instrument seems to be a 4/4 version of the Orchestra Grand Bass, though with that model number would have only included three valves. The valve arrangement, with the loop in the leadpipe, and the taper are identical to the picture you showed. The hint from the description is that it might be a 32J, which was a four-valve version of the Monster BBb Bass of the mid-1920's. These numbers changed completely when they changed the line in the 30's. The Monster version had the bell up. The Wonderphone had the bell forward, in the nomenclature of the 20's, it would seem.

I don't think it's a New Invention, which is an older model name. But that's based on speculation, too. The balance of evidence, such as it is, points to calling it a "Monster BBb Bass" or "Monster BBb Bass Grand".

Rick "recommended by Alaskan tuba players everywhere" Denney

I would be paling if following the Ketchikan lead. What would be at the other end of a bridge to nowhere? And they have a saxman associated with the town. Scary.

K

I have seen Conn literature of that period refer to that horn as both a "New Wonder Model" or an "American Model". Conn did not formally give model numbers to their instruments until c.1927. Before that is anyone's guess, unless it [the name] was engraved on the bell, which it was for a select few models.

Kind of sounds like I can pick whatever name I like. So far I'm tending towards Monster BBb Bass!

Mike

No matter what it would be interesting to know about the bore. Also whether there is a unibore through all 4 valves.

Klaus

So, the 28J is NOT a 6/4? I had always thought it was (and haven't seen any in person!).

It does look like a 4v version of my (probably) 28J. I have a picture of the horn next to my Martin, and I'd say it's a tall 5/4 or small 6/4. Then again, I used to think my Martin was a 6/4, but I'm now feeling it more like a 5/4 or smaller.
Great core to the sound, and heavy thick metal. I couldn't overblow this when I wanted to. The only reason I'm not using it more right now is that it's at home and we have no space for any more instruments (that and it's only 3 valves...I don't like not having the option of the 4th when I need it)

Tuba Guy wrote:I have a picture of the horn next to my Martin, and I'd say it's a tall 5/4 or small 6/4.

Any chance you could post that picture?

Wow, actually found the picture. Unfortunately, it doesn't really show the two of them as well as I'd like. I'll try to take some more when they're in the same county again.