Conn 32K 4v Helicon

[EdFirth]

Twentysome years ago when Dave Gannet and I were the tubas in the DisneyWordl Band the boss decided that he didn't like marching tubas and would prefer sousaphones for parades.Dave got Mike Lynch to send two Conn helicons, a three valve and a four valve for us to try in a last ditch effort to avoid the dreaded sousaphones. They were both in similar condition to the one for sale. The three valved one, which Dave preferred, had a sweet sound and was Very easy to play. The four valved one, which I liked, had a big dark sound. There were no crazy pitch problems with either, although neither one had the W tuning slide.The Boss passed on them because the sound went to the left, like a tuba, and we got stuck with sousaphones. But they were very fine instruments worthy of restoration. Whoever gets the one on the 'Bay will be happy. If there's a good repair person to at least line up the valves. Ed

[Mikelynch]

Ed,
As soon as I dropped those helicons off at Greyhound to send them down those many years ago, I regretted telling Dave that I would sell them. Sorry you had to play the dreaded sousaphones, but I was so glad to have those come back home . . .

The 4 valve is in the guest room right now (just in case a guest needs to rip off a chorus of Under the Double Eagle in the middle of the night). Worse case of seller's remorse I ever had--this time I was just lucky enough to get a do-over.

Mike

[SousaSaver]

Dreaded Sousaphones? Why? The Helicons aren't much different. Any pitch problem you would find in a Sousaphone is going to be virtually identical in it's corresponding Helicon.

For what it's worth I had a customer (and good friend) bring an ancient (this term used loosely of course) Conn "rain catcher" Sousa today. I can't wait to tear it apart!

[J.c. Sherman]

ASP quotes about 120 per valve if you send in the whole valve section for replating - so add another 480 or so

Plus the cost of detaching the valve block from the body and putting it back together again. In any event, it is a way cool horn and, if it could be afforded, worthy of a hugh-buck restoration and replating. Perhaps even re-engraving, too.

Totally, totally worth it. Find a repair tech interested in the outcome...

[SousaSaver]

I know a guy who would be...

[The Big Ben]

Dreaded Sousaphones? Why? The Helicons aren't much different. Any pitch problem you would find in a Sousaphone is going to be virtually identical in it's corresponding Helicon.

Bend over at the waist with each and you will quickly see the difference. Gravity is a law you break at your peril.

[SousaSaver]

Be careful using words like "theory" where the common usage of the word and the scientific usage of the word vary wildly.

On the other hand, I played Sousaphone in my college marching band for years and did all kinds of goofy horn moves that included bending over with the horn. How many occasions do you find yourself bending over with a Tuba? That is more difficult and far more troublesome as concert Tubas aren't near as durable as Sousaphones.

Not trying to start trouble, just being practical.

[Bob Sacchi]

When I played in the Dixieland band at Yankee Stadium in the 1980's, I used (briefly) a 3 valve version of this horn.

Pros: Great sound, good intonation, cool looking.

Cons: Heavy and extremely unbalanced. Since the horn would always try to fall forward, I spent much of the time shifting the horn back onto my shoulder. Also, in my opinion, the sound projects too far away from the player's ear. At that time I was a strapping young man of 25 years, and even then it was a tiring instrument to play.

The key word in the first paragraph was (briefly).

Bob

[Brown Mule]

I think I will up that 14,445.22 in last 15 seconds.The Plastic is burning my pockets.

[bisontuba]

HI-
Did I ever mention about the upcoming Asian 4v CC Helicon coming out--for under $1K.....JUST KIDDING.......
mark

[SousaSaver]

Winning bid: $2425.00

Anybody here win it?

[Gongadin]

Judging by the question that was published at the bottom of the auction, Don Harry was bidding. Hope you won, Don!

[tofu]

When I played in the Dixieland band at Yankee Stadium in the 1980's, I used (briefly) a 3 valve version of this horn.

Pros: Great sound, good intonation, cool looking.

Cons: Heavy and extremely unbalanced. Since the horn would always try to fall forward, I spent much of the time shifting the horn back onto my shoulder. Also, in my opinion, the sound projects too far away from the player's ear. At that time I was a strapping young man of 25 years, and even then it was a tiring instrument to play.

The key word in the first paragraph was (briefly).

Bob

I would agree with your pros.

As to your Con(n)s (pun intended) I guess I have an opposite view point. I own the 3 valve version and have had it for the last 25 years. I have used it for well over a thousand paying traditional jazz gigs. I find it is very light weight - with exceptional balance. For comparison, I also have a fiberglass 36K and regularly use a very nice 1931 King 1250 with a 24 inch bell. My preference is always the Conn Helicon. Big fat sound, sweet high end and a great bottom, projects extremely well out in the hall, has very nice false notes, easy to hear my sound as well as directing the sound and can be played very softly or so loud that the ceiling tiles rattle. I play standing and even the occasional long five set gig I have no shoulder issues. Parts are plentiful and the horn is easily repaired by most techs with sousaphone experience. The only lousy note is middle C (which is common among Conn Helicon/Sousaphones) and 1-3 works very well for this note. Otherwise the intonation is very good. Perhaps the balance is dependent on one's body type - for me it works well.

The drawback I find is that helicons in general are not the easiest things to transport due to the fixed bell. For me that is really not an issue as it readily fits in my vehicles. I'd be curious how the 4th valve affects the weight,balance and sound of this type of horn.

[Timswisstuba]

Oh goodie, a bidding war!

Of course, I just let the fur fly during the last few minutes...

"

The fur must have flown if the bidding war was between Don Harry and Bloke.

When HARRY met SELLY... (Sellmansberger)

[bisontuba]

I don't Don got it..
mark