Conn 56J vs. 52J, which better?

Arthur plays tuba · Post by **Arthur plays tuba** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:10 am

I want to ask that what's the difference of this two horns, and which is better for solo playing.

Arthur

dwaskew · Post by **dwaskew** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:58 am

Well, not to beat the proverbial dead horse, but if you do a search for this topic (or just 52j/56j) in the old tubenet archives, you'll find tons of discussion about these tubas.

Bottom line, the difference is bell size--52 is 18 in., 56 is 20 in. I use the 52 in quintet and solo playing. The 54 has a 19 in. bell, and supposedly hits the difference....

Mudman · Post by **Mudman** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 4:27 pm

Have you made any modifactions to make the valves quieter? I love the horn, but the valves are a bit noisy.

Some players talked about installing synthetic valve-guides. If you have made this modification, which brand of guides did you use, and where did you get them ?

TIA

dwaskew · Post by **dwaskew** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 7:51 am

I did put in synthetic guides. I talked with Matt Walters at Dillon and he sent me a set to put on. I have no idea what brand they are, I just put them on....

dwa

Mudman · Post by **Mudman** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:25 pm

Did anybody here install different valve springs in their 52/56J ? Yamaha springs? (I saw this modification mentioned in the old TubeNet but am looking for more information.)

Are the Yamaha springs stiffer or weaker than the stock springs?

Do they need trimming to fit?

Cost?

JCradler · Post by **JCradler** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:35 pm

Just get the tuba springs and pop 'em in. Like buttah... Much less effort and fast as well.
Meinl Weston valve guides work, but the hole in the valve may need retapping to make it a tad bigger- call a repairman.

JC