Conn 20J and Olds 099-41 questions

[Worth]

Thanks, Lee. The Conn has 3 top valves so it is a 20J as I suspected. I guess they didn't put any of those identifying numbers on the horns, you're just supposed to know based on the configuration. Serial number H255xx puts it around 1966 I think, but the Conn serial number list isn't very clear to me.

It is not true that some of the Conns of this era were made by Olds? From research, I've assumed my Conn 2J was, and like others have gone to the Olds SN lists to place it @ 1968. The Conn SN lists place it in the early 1950s which seems out of line considering web knowledge about when 2Js were produced. Perhaps these vintage Conns are likewise made by Olds?

[Rick Denney]

Thanks, Lee. The Conn has 3 top valves so it is a 20J as I suspected. I guess they didn't put any of those identifying numbers on the horns, you're just supposed to know based on the configuration. Serial number H255xx puts it around 1966 I think, but the Conn serial number list isn't very clear to me.

It is not true that some of the Conns of this era were made by Olds? From research, I've assumed my Conn 2J was, and like others have gone to the Olds SN lists to place it @ 1968. The Conn SN lists place it in the early 1950s which seems out of line considering web knowledge about when 2Js were produced. Perhaps these vintage Conns are likewise made by Olds?

If the serial number starts with H, 1966 is about right. That's the period not long before the factory moved to Abilene (serial numbers starting with M, as I recall).

It's a stale thread, but there are 20J's and 20J's. Big tubas are hard to produce with high consistency without a lot of handwork to make them consistent, and 20J's were price-point tubas marketed to schools. Holtons likewise. The earlier, the better in terms of craftsmanship, I suspect. But they are still fun to play.

I agree with Lee about pointing the bell further right than was originally intended. And the bit is as important for ergonomics as for intonation. But the 20J is as close to being a true lap sousaphone as any upright tuba, and it will really put a floor under an ensemble in the felt-rather-than-heard category.


The Holton BB-345 on the left (still in my fleet), and a M-series 20J on the right (long gone).

Rick "recalling a conductor's use of the term 'blunderbuss'" Denney

[Donn]

Perhaps these vintage Conns are likewise made by Olds?

If Olds made any 20J etc. models, I'd be real surprised. The only Conns I've ever seen attributed to Olds are variations on the Olds O99.

[Dan Tuba]

For those who are interested in 2XJ tubas and want an up close an personal view of some of the capabilities and quirks(probably me, lol). Here are a few playlists that I posted on my YouTube channel from my daily practice sessions. I own two 24/25J tubas with multiple bell options (recording, Kanstul, original upright).

March Practice:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... cNKt892OQS" target="_blank" target="_blank

Solo Practice:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... nyzHijcvKb" target="_blank" target="_blank

Blazevich Etude Practice:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 1EVnmgAlvh" target="_blank" target="_blank

Bach Cello Suite Practice:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 1EVnmgAlvh" target="_blank" target="_blank