conn 38k info

[ken k]

Hello fellow tubenetters,

I have an old Conn 38K sousa which is a beautiful horn and plays incredibly well. It is also built like a tank and incredibly heavy. Too heavy for my bum should to carry anymore. But I thought I would like to get some info on this model. I know it is basically the same body as a 20K but with the regular valves as opposed to the 20K's short stroke valves. Was this horn a predecessor of the 20k or did they make both models at the same time? It also only has a 24 inch which is a bit smaller than usual (but maybe not for this model).

The serial number dates this horn from 1936 which is incredible considering the condition of the horn and the valves. I will get some pix up shortly. (I will most like be selling this horn in the near future)

ken k

[ken k]

I downloaded Art Hoveys duet arrangement of the Blazevich 51 and have been playing it tonight on my 38K (sitting and resting the horn on my right hip so it is not resting on my shoulder) and this thing is a serious player. There are no intonation issues at all. The second space C is right on, not flat at all like on my helicon. I would love to have a tuba version of it. I wonder if there would be a way to rearrange it into a concert tuba.....

[imperialbari]

Most 38K sousaphones seem to have a 24" bell, whereas most 20K sousaphones have a 26" bell.

My theory is that the 38K sousaphones that sport 26" bells tend to be later-made, and many 20K sousaphones with 24" bells might actually be supporting salvaged 38K bells.

There was a short overlap in production between the two models, but I suspect Conn did an outstanding sales job on the "short-action" valves and (when ordering something more high-end than an "Elkhart"/"Continental Colonial"/etc.) most orders probably went to the "short-action" 20K vs. the 38K.

1934ConnBassesBrochure_Page_08.jpg

[imperialbari]

I downloaded Art Hoveys duet arrangement of the Blazevich 51 and have been playing it tonight on my 38K (sitting and resting the horn on my right hip so it is not resting on my shoulder) and this thing is a serious player. There are no intonation issues at all. The second space C is right on, not flat at all like on my helicon. I would love to have a tuba version of it. I wonder if there would be a way to rearrange it into a concert tuba.....

[ken k]

$360!!!! Even I could afford that!
I do have a few of those chairs at school.
thanks Klaus, ken k

[Michael Bush]

I would love to have a tuba version of it. I wonder if there would be a way to rearrange it into a concert tuba.....

Not exactly rearranging a sousaphone that was already in existence, but it's my understanding that some such thought as this, namely using many of the specs, along with the valve set with at least some of its plumbing, with regard to the 48k led to the creation of my big tuba:

100_1078.jpg

[TUbajohn20J]

The Conn 34J (top action) and 36J (front action) are the concert horn equivalents of the 38K.

The Conn 2XJ series is the Concert horn equivalent of the 20K. (somewhat)

Yes I know they have a slightly larger bore but theyre as close as you can get!

[iiipopes]

.

[ken k]

In my experience the 38K has better intonation than the 20K, including less stuffiness down low and the 5th partials are in tune.

the intonation of this 38K is spot on!! incredible.

k

[Bandmaster]

Well, according to the 1934 catalog mine is 38-K-0. Satin gold with points burnished - $535. Only the serial number on mine shows it was made in 1927. And it plays as well as everyone else stated above.

[pdonoh]

My 38K is a great player, It is a "rescue horn", having spent a few decades on an outdoor porch in Central Illinois and was not in good shape when I picked it up at an estate auction. After replacing a few parts, I found the excellent and sympathetic brass technician Matt Johnson of Bandsource in Downers Grove, IL. He made it playable. The serial number dates it from 1929, has a 26 inch bell, weighs what seems like 100 lbs, and there is nothing quite like being right in the middle of that big horn playing with real power. You both hear and feel the music right from the vortex.

[SousaSaver]

BEAUTIFUL!

It seems that among instrument manufacturers, there was great consistency in craftsmanship in old Conns. This is true also of their Trumpets and Saxophones of the same era.

It is rare to see one that hasn't been abused or buffed until there is nothing left.