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Hello, one and all!

I have an old Conn 4J (Olds O99) BBb tuba that needs some repair work, and while I was taking a look at the horn today, I started thinking about how close this model is to its "sister" horn, the CC 2J. A preliminary look at various pictures, and comparing the two models separately (the school I attend has two of them in the studio horn inventory) leads me to believe that there is not much that separates the two. It seems that the major difference between the two is a shortened 2nd loop in the back of the horn--see the following pictures. The main tuning slide also appears to be slightly shorter. Besides that, there doesn't seem to be much in the way that separates them. Since these horns had a tendency to be made at various facilities under different overseers, it seems that the line as a whole tends to change slightly over the years. Has anyone done a comparison between these two models? Also, if the 2nd loop and main tuning are really the only major difference between the two, would it theoretically be possible to convert a 4J to a 2J with a relatively small amount of cutting work (and a smart tech)? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

2J


4J


Aaron H

Possibly,but I wouldn't. I've not played one, but I assume it would make a great quintet/gigging horn for a BBb player. The 2j already exists and usually are reasonably priced with no risk of an "accident" in the cutting. I played through my favorite solos and f tuba orchestra excerpts with an f tuba mouthpiece last night and it had me thinking "hmmm"...

I'm with MikeMason. Could it be done? Sure. But why risk it when there is already a very good CC version of the horn available? You just run the risk of taking an already established and known-for-its-good-qualities BBb horn and turning it into a possible debacle (and probably putting as much $$ into it as you would use to just buy a CC anyway). But, if you've got the time, money, etc, it would be a fun project to watch!

Cut the BBb body to CC? No problem and very little work. Removing ALL the slide tubing, cut exact amounts straight on a lathe and then re-solder slide assemblies in parallel with smooth action and re-fit to valve casing with no tension is the real work. Then, solder and clean solder joints so they don't look like an amateur project.
Used Conn 2J tubas are going for way less than what they are really worth that financially it doesn't make sense to do this project.

As usual, Matt hits the nail on the head.

Sell the 4J and buy a 2J.