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I found myself pondering this one day. I have heard that someone used theirs in a brass band and I was wondering later whether it was just one person's preference, or the best choice for that instrument. Currently, I use the horn in whatever ensemble calls for a tuba, which they are all the same, community band, school concert band, and even once for an audition into a music program. Could anyone tell me if this instrument was made for a specific type of music? As I also saw somewhere that Conn made instruments to suit various music needs (orchestra, big band, etc...) but I'm unsure of all differences.
--Thank you,
Justin

I'm a bit confused. I thought a 28J was a THREE piston front-action tuba.

All I have heard so far terminology-wise for this instrument is "4v 28J" and Conn BBb Monster." I have yet to come upon the proper name because of m lack of resources. I have been searching online for information, of which I could find none. I am also certain no techs would know much about my instrument other than it is a C.G. Conn 4v tuba. Also, could someone help me figure the actual name for this? It is front action, four valve, 4/4 (Maybe small 5/4, but I doubt it) silver, seems to have been low pitch because the tuning slide looks cut, dates to 1921, and really just seems to be a four valve version of the three front action piston 28j (front action and all). Pictures would help, but I do not have access. But my main question was to ask whether the instrument would be best suited for a specific type of music.
Thank you ahead of time
--Justin

Might be a 32J:

http://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/Conn28J1925image.html

Conn scrambled their tuba numbering system in the 1930's. For example, the 20J was previously a monster Eb 3-valve horn before the change to the big recording-bell 3-valve BBb with short-stroke valves that we know today. It'll be necessary to find catalogs from that era to be sure; some have been previously referenced and posted here.

According to what has been posted, I'd guess that you are playing a Conn 32J BBb, with upright bell and 4 front valves. If it works comfortably for you, then that is all that matters. There are specialty instruments out there, but an instrument like the Conn in question should be a really good all-around workhorse of a tuba, well-suited to a variety of uses.

Enjoy,

Lee Stofer wrote:According to what has been posted, I'd guess that you are playing a Conn 32J BBb, with upright bell and 4 front valves. If it works comfortably for you, then that is all that matters. There are specialty instruments out there, but an instrument like the Conn in question should be a really good all-around workhorse of a tuba, well-suited to a variety of uses.

Enjoy,

+1

Is it silver with a gold brass valve section? Does it look like the one in the middle? Sorry I don't have any larger images - I sold it a long time ago. Great horn! It had originally been a 3 valve horn, I expect, but a new 4 valve block was put on it long before I bought it. Most definitely a 28J - says so right on the bell.

davidgilbreath wrote:

Lee Stofer wrote:According to what has been posted, I'd guess that you are playing a Conn 32J BBb, with upright bell and 4 front valves. If it works comfortably for you, then that is all that matters. There are specialty instruments out there, but an instrument like the Conn in question should be a really good all-around workhorse of a tuba, well-suited to a variety of uses.

Enjoy,

+1

That's great news! I guess that means I could at least audition at a few smaller orchestras if I ever get the chance/money/transportation/proper embouchure/etc... Would you say the tone would sound different from modern tubas? Or would you think that's because of my embouchure? Because it sounds almost like a tuba from an old 78 I have. (Although, maybe it is just because a tuba sounds like a tuba)

jeopardymaster wrote:Is it silver with a gold brass valve section? Does it look like the one in the middle? Sorry I don't have any larger images - I sold it a long time ago. Great horn! It had originally been a 3 valve horn, I expect, but a new 4 valve block was put on it long before I bought it. Most definitely a 28J - says so right on the bell.

No, this one is from a local shrine band program that went out almost thirty years ago. When I got the tuba, it was tarnished all over, the fourth valve stuck a bit, and the first valve guard was completely worn off (maybe I shouldn't have used it at solo and ensemble...). But I would still make that purchase over and over again without regret. Also, where at on the bell should it say that? Mine just has the floral design from what I can see, at least the 20's design.
--Justin

Also, the valve cluster on mine seems to be all original. At least, with it a;l being equally tarnished, and the valve configuration.

TheConnsequence wrote:Also, the valve cluster on mine seems to be all original. At least, with it a;l being equally tarnished, and the valve configuration.

Can you put up a few images?

Here is one picture which shows the front

Page 37 of the Conn 'General Catalog C' pictures that horn as being a 32J for low pitch and 33J for high pitch. The bell diameter should be 22" while the overall length 37". The serial number will determine the date to see if it falls into the realm of that catalog... which was published around 1930. Here is a picture of a 28J that I owned. Should be the same thing except with only three valves.

That's a nice horn you have!

KiltieTuba wrote:What size would you classify these as Dan?

The 28J I had struck me as a regular 4/4 Conn tuba with an oversized bell flare. The horn seemed to be a product of the 'bigger is better' mentality that raged in the music industry for several decades. The horn played OK but I couldn't classify the one I owned as a horn that could be played by a single tubist in a sixty-piece orchestra. Big bell but no guts.

TubaTinker wrote:Page 37 of the Conn 'General Catalog C' pictures that horn as being a 32J for low pitch and 33J for high pitch. The bell diameter should be 22" while the overall length 37". The serial number will determine the date to see if it falls into the realm of that catalog... which was published around 1930. Here is a picture of a 28J that I owned. Should be the same thing except with only three valves.

That's a nice horn you have!

The bell diameter is 22" and the length is about 37". I the serial number puts this tuba in 1921, it is 189xxx. Thank you for your help and thank you for the compliment!
--Justin

bloke wrote:I have no idea...

I just really dig your user name.

If that is towards me, then thanks!

It's a tuba...........play it when tuba music is required