Best mouthpiece for Conn 24J

[jstrother123]

I was wanting to poll the group and get some opinions of the best mouthpiece for my 24J. Right now I am using a Bach 18, but I am feeling like there is probably a better choice. Thanks.

Jim

[rodgeman]

I use a Conn Helleberg on my Conn 20J. I tried a Bach 18 and it was not a deep enough cup for me.

[TUbajohn20J]

That all depends on what type of playing you do. I'll use a PT 48 for really big, loud playing such as with a large symphonic band. That is a huge mouthpiece so it gives me a HUGE mellow tone. For smaller groups or for more lively style playing, I'll use the good ol' Conn 2, which is pretty much the opposite of a PT48. I find that it works great for quintet playing and on high range solos where I really need to sing out.

[Dan Schultz]

....I'll use a PT 48 ....

Ditto. I use my old 'standby' PT-48x on most of my horns these days.

[mammoth2ba]

I've been enjoying the Mike Finn "Conn H" replica mouthpiece on my 2xJ lately. There's a link at Mike's website to a scan of the 1924 Conn Basses Catalog page (or if you're referencing your original Conn catalog, see page 19) showing that early Helleberg:
http://www.mikefinnmouthpieces.com/tubampc.html" target="_blank

It is the earliest Helleberg I've seen in any Conn literature.....much earlier than many I've seen bring megabuck$ at that auction site.

The same catalog page shows the _original Chief_.......a very scarce mouthpiece with a different exterior shape and narrower rim than the later, chunky, "Conn-Chief".

[TUbajohn20J]

I just went in my room and noticed that a Bach Megatone 7 is on the 20J now. And that is a GREAT mouthpiece for the horn also. It's fairly large but not huge so it is good for most styles of playing. Don't forget to use a tuning bit for the 24J if you don't already know. They came supplied with one from the factory and just makes things more comfortable while playing.

[cjk]

I've been enjoying the Mike Finn "Conn H" replica mouthpiece on my 2xJ lately. There's a link at Mike's website to a scan of the 1924 Conn Basses Catalog page (or if you're referencing your original Conn catalog, see page 19) showing that early Helleberg:
http://www.mikefinnmouthpieces.com/tubampc.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

It is the earliest Helleberg I've seen in any Conn literature.....much earlier than many I've seen bring megabuck$ at that auction site.

The same catalog page shows the _original Chief_.......a very scarce mouthpiece with a different exterior shape and narrower rim than the later, chunky, "Conn-Chief".

Have you seen an actual Conn Chief with the same exterior as that catalog?

The pictures in that catalog appear to me to be drawings, not photographs, so I'm skeptical of the accuracy of it. I've never seen a Chief that looks like that, but I have seen several Conn model H mouthpieces that look "mostly" like the picture. Do you have an actual picture of a Conn Chief with an exterior like that?

[jstrother123]

Thanks for all of the reponses. I will start keeping an eye out for a helleberg and see what I can find. My horn does not have the bit with it, but I have not had any problems with tuning or holding the horn.

Jim

[Mike Finn]

The pictures in that catalog appear to me to be drawings, not photographs, so I'm skeptical of the accuracy of it. I've never seen a Chief that looks like that, but I have seen several Conn model H mouthpieces that look "mostly" like the picture. Do you have an actual picture of a Conn Chief with an exterior like that?

I have *seen* a photograph of the Chief in question, although I do not have anything I can share at this time. I too am always a little skeptical of old catalog drawings, but this one does appear to be accurate. FWIW, the mouthpiece I saw a photo of is just stamped "CHIEF" as in the illustration, not "Conn Chief".

[cjk]

The pictures in that catalog appear to me to be drawings, not photographs, so I'm skeptical of the accuracy of it. I've never seen a Chief that looks like that, but I have seen several Conn model H mouthpieces that look "mostly" like the picture. Do you have an actual picture of a Conn Chief with an exterior like that?

I have *seen* a photograph of the Chief in question, although I do not have anything I can share at this time. I too am always a little skeptical of old catalog drawings, but this one does appear to be accurate. FWIW, the mouthpiece I saw a photo of is just stamped "CHIEF" as in the illustration, not "Conn Chief".

Cool. Thanks!

[pdonoh]

For all around playing, the Bach 18 is always my choice for my 20J. I am, however, searching for something better for a recently acquired, leaky valved 38K. Maybe a Bach 7?

[Dan Schultz]

For all around playing, the Bach 18 is always my choice for my 20J. I am, however, searching for something better for a recently acquired, leaky valved 38K. Maybe a Bach 7?

Save your money for a valve job.