BBb Conn Raincatcher at Dillon Music, Price Drop AGAIN!

Sell and buy equipment.
Forum rules
This forum is for buying or selling your personal equipment. Sponsored selling is allowed as well. All ads are required to have the following information: Price (even for trades), brand, model, and location (City and State, for instruments, not accessories). It is acceptable to link to an external ad if you are promoting a sale of your personal equipment. No Ebay auctions, but "Buy It Now" listings are fine. Photos are HIGHLY suggested as well, and may be hosted on Google Drive, or elsewhere. If you see an ad that does not meet these criteria, please report it.
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

Yes!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

Ha! Good one!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

The first thing you notice when you pick up this tuba is the weight.
It's quite heavy for a 110-year-old instrument, which leads me to believe it hasn't been overhauled. The brass is quite thick. The tone is very dense and dark. I haven't checked it on a tuner, but, to my ear it has a good scale and nothing out of the ordinary. I do feel that it may need a good alignment. I may have a little work done on it if it doesn't sell quickly because I think it has more potential than it's putting out.
It actually plays quite similarly to the Sousaphone. Both instruments have extra long ferruls on the main tuning slide which is also intriguing to me. I find this tuba to fit very comfortably with my 6' frame. Glad to answer any other questions.
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

I recently had a friend play the Raincatcher, and to my surprise, it sounds much better out front than it does while you're playing it. Because of the distance between your ear and the bell, you don't get the true enormity of the sound. Rich and velvety, I can't think of many horns with as beautiful a tone! I don't know why I'd never heard anyone else play it before! I think people are usually put off by the size of it, but, it is a much better instrument than my original estimation. $2500.00 is a steal for this piece of history. And under $5K for the two! You wont find a better deal.

Thanks for listening,
Frank
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump, for a great deal!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
User avatar
Tubajug
5 valves
5 valves
Posts: 1712
Joined: Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:23 pm
Location: Lincoln, NE

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Tubajug »

I would if I could.... I would really love to own a raincatcher someday...
Jordan
King 2341 with a Holton "Monster" Eb bell
Eb Frankentuba
Martin Medium Eb Helicon

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving's probably not for you.
Wes Krygsman
3 valves
3 valves
Posts: 365
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2004 6:20 am
Location: Clifton, New Jersey

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Wes Krygsman »

Bump for some great historic tubas that play well.
Wes Krygsman

Adjunct professor-Kean University
Freelance musician-NJ/NYC area & private lessons

Nirschl York 6/4 CC
Yamaha 821 F
Cerveny 601 Kaiser BBb
Yamaha Ybb 103 BBb
Conn 36k Fiberglass sousaphone BBb
Tabor
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 753
Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:34 am
Location: New England

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Tabor »

The raincatcher is impressive. The 1905 "new invention bass" BBb is really cool. Nice low end, as I remember. Bigger bore and general size than a King 2341. My king/york BBb is sbout the size of a new style 2341.

Image
Tubas
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump! Two great horns at a bargain price. Make offers on both or either.
I may meet your price, if it's reasonable!
8)
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

A Matched Pair of Vintage instruments that play!
Start your own collection or add to your current one!
How often do two of these instruments from the same year show up for sale. And they both play!

1905 Conn Raincatcher, Silver Plated, plays well! It's a fine example of an early sousaphone from the first 10 years of production.

1905 4 valve Top Action Conn Monster BBb tuba. Beautiful condition, plays extremely well.
Asking $4500.00 +S&H OBO (local pick up prefered!)

Seperately I'd ask $2500.00 for the Raincatcher and $3000.00 for the Tuba.

This instrument is located in Bergen County, NJ. 15 mi west of NYC.


Image

Image

Image
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
PRO
bugler
bugler
Posts: 244
Joined: Sat May 22, 2004 7:14 am

Re: A Matched Set - 1905 Conn Raincatcher and 4 valve BBb Tu

Post by PRO »

I may be the friend -- or at least one of the friends -- who "recently played the raincatcher". Yes, it's a heavy instrument. It is also one of the three finest street horns I have ever played. (One of the other two is Frank's King sousaphone. The other is my 1921 Holton helicon with 1965 Conn short-action valves, built by the late great Harvey Hartman of "Harv's Happy Horns").

Frank mentioned the wonderful sound he heard while I was tooting on this raincatcher. What impressed me while playing was the feel. It felt like one musical instrument all the way from my diaphragm to the bell. It took some wind to blow the thing, but not as much as expected. What a rumble!

Ten years ago, when still doing parade gigs, I would have snapped up this horn in a heartbeat -- especially at this price.

Paul R. Ogushwitz.
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher, Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba - New price

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump for New Prices!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher, Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump! Still a great deal!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher and Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump! Still available!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher and Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba

Post by Frank Ortega »

Hello Again Everyone,

I'm taking these two into Matt for cleaning and tweaking.
They will, undoutedly be better players when they are done.
Afterwards, they will be put on consignment at higher prices. (most likely in $3-3500.00 range.)
These are currently very good, potentially awesome instruments, so here's your last chance to get them at the
original price, $4500/pair.

Happy Hunting!
Frank
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
bigroo
bugler
bugler
Posts: 32
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 4:02 pm

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher and Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba

Post by bigroo »

Bump for Frank, I love playing tuba Christmas and he may be coming to my home next month.
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher and Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba

Post by Frank Ortega »

Thanks Big Roo! See you in a few weeks!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher and Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump! Great prices for two great horns!
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Frank Ortega
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 687
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:27 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: 1905 Conn Raincatcher and Conn 4 valve BBb Tuba

Post by Frank Ortega »

Bump!

Make me an offer on one or both!

I will consider trades for a good f tuba.
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Post Reply