King 2268

[gvtuba]

I recently posted a question about 1940 era Conn and King baritones. I recently played a friend's 1942 Conn bell front horn with three short throw valves. His horn sounded much better than any new euphonium, as far as I sounded.

I have begun searching for this type of horn.

My first question is; how long was this horn made and did this type of horn play consistently well over the years?

My second question is-a local store has a banged up King 2268 four valve, front action horn or sale. I am wondering if this sound might have the sound I am looking for (the horn is not totally playable at the moment). They are asking $995 for it after a tech goes through it. Too high a price?

Thank you.

[Dan Schultz]

Those short-action Conn three-valve euphoniums are fairly common if you know what to look for.

1) The leadpipe port and the port out of the valve section are 'squashed'.
2) The bottom valve caps have what look like a large screwdriver slot in the bottom.

Four-valve short-action Conn euphoniums are very rare.

Here's one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1949-CG ... 27d6bb468f