Conn Euphonium Advice Sought...

[Louis]

I have the opportunity to acquire a Conn Connstellation 25I euphonium. The horn is actually in my possession at the moment - I have a couple of weeks to decide if I want to keep it or not. I thought I'd post here and seek a little advice, though I know the older American-style "baritone horns" are not the most popular thing in the world.

The instrument is original except for the bell and the leadpipe (i.e., the body, the valves, etc. are all original).

The instrument was made in 1968 (serial number L6XXXX), which if I'm correct makes it an Elkhart-era horn (my understanding is that MacMillan acquired Conn in 1969 and effected a gradual move to Abilene, TX over the next few years thereafter).

The two major changes made to this horn in its restoration are the bell and the leadpipe. The Conn 25I had a detachable upright bell a little less than 12" in diameter. In its restoration, this horn was fitted with an 11"Abilene-made upright bell, perhaps the kind you would see on a 21I or even a 15I. The shop that did the restoration acquired some stuff back when the Abeline factory closed, including this bell (it is not engraved with anything). The new bell is soldered in place. Also, the original 25I had the euro-sized mouthpiece receiver. That's been replaced on this horn with the receiver from a 20I (receives small, trombone-sized shanks).

The valves have been replated and they are quite nice. Tight and fast... A little noise, but these old horns had metal valve guides.

The 25I came with a unique main tuning slide kicker - this one is complete and functions beautifully.

The whole thing has been relacquered. It looks great. The instrument looks new, in fact.

It plays well - the valve action is terrific. When really pushed though, there is a slight but noticeable buzz. I've been thinking maybe this has to do with some part of the slide kicker vibrating, but I can't seem to isolate it. Any ideas as to what I should look at? All of the joints seem quite tight, and the bell is soldered in place!

I've long wanted one of these, but they seem virtually impossible to find (their manufacture ceased around 1970, probably about when British-style euphoniums started taking over in concert bands everywhere - my theory anyway). Price is $1,175.00.

Any opinions?

Thanks.

Louis

[Rick F]

Hi Louis,

It sounds interesting.

Does it look like this one?

http://www.xs4all.nl/~cderksen/Conn25I1959image.html

[Louis]

Does it look like this one?

http://www.xs4all.nl/~cderksen/Conn25I1959image.html

Hi Rick -

Yes! It looks exactly like that one, aside from the fact that that one appears to have its original detachable bell, screws and all. If THAT one was available, I'd grab it for my price in a second. Well, assuming I don't buy this one and make myself broke that is...

The one I have actually looks a little cleaner - no scratches at all, the lacquer is new - but of course the one in your picture is all original, and from 1959 - what a gem!

There is a certain following for these and some folks love 'em.

I sold a bell front short action 3 valve Conn euph once and was astounded what I was offered.

That would be the 20I! I had one and carelessly let it go too. I put it up on eBay, not expecting too much, with a low Buy-it-Now price, and it was gone in less than three hours.

I think there's still a place for these in concert bands. Some modern euphs are just too heavy-sounding for arrangements where euphs are sharing lines with saxes, horns, etc. Just my opinion...

Thanks for the replies.

Louis

[PolkaNoble]

I have an absolutely stock "Elkhart" bell front euph like this, Serial # C84684. The case is original, as far as I know--it is in good shape, three or four minor dings. I hardly use it any more, but it has a nice sound and it is easy to play in tune. I never thought about selling it before. hmmmm--.

[Gorilla Tuba]

I recently purchased a King American Style euph from David Fedderly and absolutely love playing it. I bought it on a whim and it has turned out to be one of the best instruments that I have ever played. Great intonation, sounds good, and looks nice, too.

The tone quality is lighter than on my 2280. Also the low range takes a bit more work. None the less, the American style King is what gets played daily while teaching lessons.

Had a 25i been available when I bought this horn, I would have snatched it up in a heartbeat. I don't know if there will be a resurgence of smaller euphs anytime soon, but I really feel that the tone color and ease of playing is a valid option for many musicians out there. As euphs become more and more like small tubas, American style euphoniums are a welcome change of pace for my ears.

[Louis]

I have an absolutely stock "Elkhart" bell front euph like this, Serial # C84684.

Circa 1964...

What model is it? 3 or 4 valves? Contact me off list if you want...

Louis

[Rick Denney]

The instrument was made in 1968 (serial number L6XXXX), which if I'm correct makes it an Elkhart-era horn (my understanding is that MacMillan acquired Conn in 1969 and effected a gradual move to Abilene, TX over the next few years thereafter).

You are correct, but not just because of the dates. The Mexiconns had serials numbers that started with M, as I recall. My Abilene-made 20J did.

Rick "noting that the Connstellation euphonium was the state of the art in the U.S. before the Besson compensating euph became popular" Denney

[PolkaNoble]

Louis,

It's a 4 valve euph. I hope I haven't oversold it, but I think it's a nice horn. Some of its history is unknown, but I don't think it has been overhauled or had any major work done. It has been stored much of the time and has been well cared for the rest of the time. When I did use it, It played well. For a few years it was my only euph. Later I got a Besson Imperial and grew over time to Iike it better.

It does have the European shank and the removable bell front (which is really about 45 degrees up.) Silver finish needs to be polished, it looks like a light gold wash in the bell.

I sent you contact info and location by emai. I expect to be in the Baltimore - Washington D.C. area in early July and will travel around Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania chasing history. Since I travel in a motorhome I can find room to pack it if you want to take a short drive when I get close to your location so you can try it before you buy it (I would want to). Or you can come here if you are in a hurry. OR, I CAN arrange to ship it if you are in a REAL hurry.

I hope to hear some service bands while there.

[Louis]

Here's a picture of the one I've got:

http://forum.alex281.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=223

I sent you contact info and location by email.

I will be in touch off-forum! Thanks for the info.

Louis

[Lee Stofer]

Louis,
Most serious euphonium players have seemed to shy away from anything made in America for years now, although there's really nothing wrong with the older American-style instruments. It is a relatively minor process to re-tap the pistons and fit the old Conn with modern nylon valve guides, virtually eliminating the valve noise (I've done this even on my 1929 Conn sousa). If you are in Woodbridge, NJ, I know of a repairman in your neighborhood that is quite good at that process ;^)

Considering the price, I think it is a fair one for an instrument in that condition, considering that it is less than half of what a new Kanstul non-compensating 4-valve euphonium costs. I use that comparison because the (American-made) relatively-lightweight Kanstul 4-top-piston instrument with a .570" bore is probably the closest thing to the Conn that is available today.