future "genuine Donatelli"...

[Frank Ortega]

I believe you have to read between the lines abit through the pages of the Conn Loyalist to figure out the the models and their differences/similarities.

The 28J(BBb), 48J(CC), and 84J(CC) most closely resemble the Donatellis. Particularly when you read the descriptions. It looks, to me, like the 84J is the 48J, but only came with a fixed upright bell and front action valves.

The 80-83Js seem to be the BBb version of the 48J.

The 30-36J seems to be what most people refer to as an Orchestra Grand and are definitely of the 6/4 variety and all in BBb.

I have never seen a 6/4 Conn CC tuba that was made at the factory. Has anyone else?

The bore sizes varied. .687, .734, .750 seem to be mixed into all of these models, but only the 6/4 BBb Orch Grands (model#?) seem to have the .812 bore. Bell sizes seem to vary to, from 18" to 22".

http://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnLooksBass.html" target="_blank

Hmmm, everyone asumes the CC's were cut down from BBb... But, if the CC symphony models came first and have an in tune 3rd partial, perhaps the BBb versions came later and with the expansion, came the flattened 3rd partial? Just a theory. The CC Donatellis that I've seen don't look like cut instruments. They have a very even expansion from mouthpiece to bell flare.

My Two Cents,
Frank "Always fascinated with the evolution of our instrument" Ortega

[Frank Ortega]

By the way, with the 24" bell flare and the big inner bows, that Ebay horn looks like a 6/4 BBb 34J to me. Not a Donatelli.

Frank

[pjv]

I thought that the Orch. Grand models were a .773" bore. and not a .812". Correct??

-Pat

[Frank Ortega]

I have played at least one with an .812 bore. Formerly owned by Paul Ogushwitz, now with Tim Hayton I believe.

-F