Best guess on value of Conn 2XJ with both bells

[jimandrada]

It's quite a while since I posted anything here. Had a major health issue a few years back that put a stop to my tuba playing for a few years but I'm back at it again.

I have a Conn 2XJ (never quite sure what the "X" should be) that has both upright and recording bells. No idea what these are going for these days but would appreciate any feedback.

Horn is in reasonable condition - lots of dings and minor dents and finish is OK - far from perfect but not too embarrassing to be seen with.

Top action short action valves in good condition, finish is worn where you'd put your hand. When I got it it had the upright bell and a sousie bell that I swapped with Lee Stofer for the proper recording bell.

I've been playing it in a local concert band but it's getting to be a bit much to schlepp around these days, so it's going to need a good home in the not too distant future.

When/if I list it for sale I want to be sure I list it correctly so would also appreciate some guidance in figuring out which "X" it is. I don't remember seeing serial numbers so a hint as to where to look would also be great.

Thanks much

[Heavy_Metal]

How many valves?

And is the upright bell the original that came with the body?

[Donn]

Those are the questions.

If it has three valves, it's a 20J or 21J; four valves, it's a 24J or 25J. 20J and 24J are bell front; 21J and 25J are bell up, I guess you can swing either way.

Value depends partly on how long you can wait to find someone who likes it. Shops have been running them on Ebay, lacquer 20Js, for $2300-$2800. That might be laughable, and some of them have been at it for years, but as far as they're concerned that its value. Someone else recently ran one for $800 and as far as I know no one bit ... a little rough, poor photos, maybe some leadpipe damage but not a wreck. They aren't rare, it isn't like ripples of excitement spread through the tuba community when one goes up for sale.

[jimandrada]

4 valves

And I have no idea if the upright bell was original. Is there some way to tell?

[edsel585960]

It all depends on the condition. Being a 24/25 J it is less common than the 20/21 j. A pretty beat up 25J went for less than 1400 (seller took best offer, who knows) a few months ago and that was without a recording bell. Condition of the horn is everything. I would think in good but not immaculate condition $2000-2500 would be a good place to start. You can always come down but it's hard to go up on the price. Glad you're back to playing.

[jimandrada]

Thanks for the info

Re condition, it looks pretty nice from 10 - 20 feet away. As you get closer it shows it's age (Just like me!) No HUGE dents, just a sort of ripple finish of small dings and scrapes all over (Just like me!) Maybe sort of like Tuba Cellulite.

I found the following scratched into the finish "HESD 42 ?" Can't make out the last character. I'm guessing the "SD" part refers to "School District" but who knows? Serial number is stamped on one of the valves "K28411"

Any guess re age?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/foz77td5qyfjp ... t.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank"

[Donn]

According to my reading of Conn's serial numbers, 1966.

[jimandrada]

Thanks much