Conn 3J questions

[Spockasia]

I'm wondering if a Conn 3J CC would be a good all-use horn for a serious high school student/college student, as in being good in solo and band settings. Also, how would this horn compare, in terms of sound quality, to a Miraphone 186CC?

[ibr]

I woul by a king 2341, but it is a personal choice.

[MartyNeilan]

Great quintet/small ensemble/solo CC (if you don't want to go the F tuba route). Good for smaller or lighter orchestral works (using my 2J on Brahms 2).
Will not put a big fat bottom on a large ensemble.
If you will be playing in a large group, go with the 186 for an all around. Or, get something in the 5/4 range to really give that foundation, and then get the smaller Conn for your quintet/recital horn.

[Phil Dawson]

I have owned an played a 3J for the last 20 years or so. It is a great little horn. It plays with good response and plays very well in tune. Being a smaller bore instrument it is quite easy to control without tremendous amounts of air. It is a great quintet and solo horn. I also have a MIraphone 1290 for large bands and orchestras. They make a great pair for me. The 3J would work well for a high school student but would most likely be a bit small for the larger ensembles in college. That said I have used my 3J in larger groups on occasion and it has done the job quite adequately. If the 3J is priced right and in good condition it might be wise to pick it up planing to buy a 5/4 horn later on as your playing matures and you have a better idea of what you want, need, and can afford. The 186 would be a better all around choice and in terms of size it is in between the 3J and a 5/4. It would probably be the wise choice as it will work for almost everything - except it won't have the low end guts of a 5/4 or the agility of the 3J. Good Luck, Phil