"Conn 72H Trombone"

Conn 72H Artist Bass F rotary attachment 1957

Top: Date: 1957, Owned by Jim Priebe
Bottom: Date: 1950, Owned by Mike Cizek

The 72H was produced from 1955 to at least 1968. I suspect it was discontinued in 1968 with the arrival of the 60H, 62H, 71H and 73H bass trombones. It has a #5 Bore (0.562"). I have read that the bore of the Conn bass trombone valve section is (supposed to be) 0.594".

Since the 72H didn't start production until 1955, the bottom picture is impossible, right? The serial number dates it to 1950. In 1950, Conn was still producing the 70H, which is essentially the same as the 72H except it is tuning in slide. The trombone in the bottom picture is stamped "70H", but it has tuning in the bell and not in the slide. Which would make it a 72H. Perhaps a pre-production model? You do see those from time to time. Or, perhaps it was a special order by someone, in which case this instrument may have given Conn the idea of the 72H. Who knows. Either way, the owner knows the two previous owners, and is quite sure it is all original.

I read on the OTJ Forum that "The lead pipe on all 72H's were set up to take a Remington shank mouthpiece, which is a different taper and overall length, than the standard large shank Bach mouthpiece. You will need to have Remington shanked mouthpieces, to properly fit the lead pipe."

What Conn said in 1959:
A new model extra-large-bore bass trombone in Bb and F with pull to flat E. Features tuning slide in bell section, Crysteel Airfloat slides complete with slide barrel springs for first position adjustment, outside slides of special Conn bearing formula alloy. Length 46½", weight 4 lbs. 9 oz., bell diameter 9½".

What Conn said in 1959:
This large bore horn is the bass trombone standard of the world! Big tone plus smooth response. Extra slide length and spring barrel for accurate tuning gives flexibility. Extra rotor slide length allow flat E tuning when needed. Fast, dependable Airfloat Crysteel slide. Features: 9 1/2" bell, springs in cork barrel for accurate tuning, tapered rotor guarantees perfect port fit, blanced Crysteel slide action. Lustre-Conn finish.

What Conn said in 1966:
The top bass trombone among professionals. Widely used in symphony orchestras, concert and studio bands. Resonant dark sound. F rotor with E pull plus full 7th position for complete chromatic range to pedal Bb. Brass bell. Bore size .562", Bell 9 1/2". Length 46".

Conn Trombone Recognition Guide

Here is my attempt at a Conn trombone recognition guide. I admit that I am less adept at spotting the differences between Conn trombones. Consequently, this is only a general guide covering mostly instruments of 1945 and later.

There are three approaches to figuring out what model an instrument is. The first is through the serial number and either the model number stamped on the instrument or the model name engraved on this instrument. The second approach is to look at the features of the instrument. I will first deal with recognizing a model through names and numbers. If you don't know or can't tell the name and numbers on an instrument, scroll down to the section titled "Recognizing an instrument by its features". Thirdly, I give a list of which trombones have what bell size (have your tape measure ready! For the metric readers: an inch is 2,54 centimeters, and as usual European commas are American periods for decimal calculations).

Recognizing an instrument through names and numbers

The very first thing you need to do is to check and look up the serial number. On Conn trombones I believe(!) that the serial number is stamped near where the slide and bell sections are joined. Check the number stamped there against the Conn brass serial number list. This should tell you what year the instrument was built. Note that serial numbers on Pan American models don't match Conn serial numbers.

The next thing to do is to check for model names or numbers. For a period from the mid 1920's through to the mid-1950's Conn stamped the model number right above or below the serial number, where the bell and slide sections come together. If you see a model number there (such as "1 2 H"), you are home free. Else check if there is a name engraved on either the side of the mouthpiece receiver/leadpipe or the bell. Check that name against the list below, which also gives some distinguishing features.

Director
If the name engraved on the leadpipe is "Director" it is either a 14H or a 18H. If the instrument has a Coprion bell it is an 18H. If it has a brass bell, it is a 14H. Both the 14H and 18H Directors have a 7½" bell.

Connquest
It's probably a 77H. The 77H was produced from 1957 into the 1970's. In 1954 and 1955 Conn produced a 20H Connquest. These are quite rare. If your Connquest has a serial number in the 400,000 or 500,000 range it should be a 20H. If the serial number is 600,000 or above, it is almost certainly a 77H. The 20H has a 7" bell, the 77H has a 7½" bell.

Victor
As far as I can tell, the Victor models (4H, 6H and 10H) didn't have "Victor" engraved on the mouthpiece receiver or the bell. However, the 10H has a distinctive 8" Coprion bell, and nickel trim (as opposed to the 18H which doesn't have the nickel trim). Serial numbers of the 10H should range from 5xx,xxx or 6xx,xxx to 9xx,xxx. The 6H is identical to the 10H except it doesn't have a Coprion bell. It was produced for a longer time: 1947-1979 (serials 36x,xxx - GL9xx,xxx). The 4H was made almost continuously from 1919 to 1958, serial numbers not higher than 6xx,xxx or 7xx,xxx.

Connstellation
A Connstellation trombone can be either a 28H, 38H or 48H. If your Connstellation is entirely nickel plated with lacquered brass slide and tuning slide, it is a 48H. The 48H has "Connstellation" engraved on the side of the bell. I am not sure if that is also the case for the 28H and 38H. As far as I can tell the 28H and 38H are very similar. The one picture I have seen of a 28H shows the first brace on the slide section not to have curved ends for more comfortable holding, while the 38H does have that feature. However, it might be a replacement brace. The 28H should have a serial number in the range 38x,xxx-39x,xxx. The 38H should have a serial number between 42x,xxx through 5xx,xxx. The 48H has serial numbers from 6xx,xxx and higher. The 28H and 38H both have 7½" bells, the 48H has an 8" bell.

Coprion
This is a 1955, possibly 1954 12H Coprion. A rare instrument indeed, because in 1955 Conn modified the 12H Coprion by increasing their weight and adding nickel trim. The modified 12H Coprion was dropped in 1955 and replaced by the 10H Victor. If you own one of these 12H's with "Coprion" engraved on the leadpipe: it is rare! And please drop me a line.

Recognizing an instrument by its features

In this section I will list several features, starting with the more distinct characteristics. There is a certain amount of overlap between the features, so please read through the entire section.

Coprion bell
If it has a Coprion bell, it is either a 10H, 12H or a 18H. The 10H has an 8" bell and has nickel trim. The 12H has a 7" bell, and I think (!) it has nickel trim. Serial numbers on the 10H should be 5xx,xxx or 6xx,xxx and higher. The 12H usually has serial numbers of 3xx,xxx through 4xx,xxx, with the exception of the 1955 12H which has Coprion engraved on the mouthpiece receiver. The 18H has nickel trim on the slide only, not on the bell. It has a 7" bell.

Red brass bell or Rose brass bell
The terms "red brass" and "rose brass" refer to the same thing: brass with higher copper content, but not pure like Coprion. An instrument like this could be a 8H, 88H, 60H or 62H. Of these instruments, only the 8H doesn't have an F attachment. The 8H and 88H have 8½" bells. The 60H and 62H models are bass trombones, both have a 9½" bell. The 62H is a dual rotor trombone, with F and D attachments.

Nickel plated bell
If the instrument is entirely nickel plated with brass slides, it is a 48H. The bell is 8", and serial numbers run from 6xx,xxx to at least GL9xx,xxx.

Single rotor/F attachment
A trombone that has only one (!) rotor, the "F attachment", can be a 88H, 60H, 71H, 72H, 70H early, 70H late or 50H The 88H is a tenor trombone with a 8½" red brass bell. The others are bass trombones. The 60H has a 9½"red brass bell. The 70H has a distinctive hand slide tuning mechanism with adjustable screw. The 50H has a brass bell with a 8½" bell. The 71H and 72H are very similar. Both have 9½" brass bells. The 72H should have a serial number in the range 5xx,xxx-Kxx,xxx. The 71H should be Lxx,xxx and up. I recommend looking at the pattern of the F-attachment tubing when in doubt.

Dual rotor/F-D attachment
62H or 73H. The 62H has a red brass bell, the 73H has a brass bell. Both instruments' bells are 9½".

No bell rim wire
Connqueror, 44H. This is the "vocabell" model.

Recognizing an instrument by bell size

7" Bell
12H, 4H, 20H Connquest, 44H.

7½" Bell
14H, 18H, 28H, 38H, 32H, 77H,

8" Bell
6H, 10H, 48H.

8½" Bell
8H, 88H, 50H.

9½" Bell
60H, 62H, 70H, 71H, 72H or 73H.

The Trombone Forum

Horns, Gear, and Equipment => Instruments => Topic started by: MoominDave on Apr 30, 2009, 07:03am

Title: Conn bass trombone genealogy
Post by: MoominDave on Apr 30, 2009, 07:03am

Setting The Record Straight In My Head...

(Title: Conn Bass Trombone Genealogy: Post By: MoominDave <tromboneforum.org>)

1910: 14H introduced. Single piston valve.

1920: 70H Fuchs model introduced. 9.25" bell, large throat, .562" bore?

1921: 14H discontinued.

1924: 70H produced as standard with single bore .555" slide (and presumably redeveloped bell flare?). It seems that the Fuchs model was too big for the sounds of the day.

1926: 70H produced as standard with dual bore .547"/.562" slide.

1927: 14H reintroduced as student model bass trombone with dual bore .522"/.547" slide.

1937: 70H produced as standard with single bore .562" slide. Sometimes called Gerhard model.

1955: Replacement of 70H with 72H. 72H = late model 70H with tuning in bell rather than in slide.

1968: Replacement of 72H with 71H, 73H, 60H, and 62H. 71H = something like 72H with a different wrap (?); 73H = double dependent valve 71H; 60H = single valve w/ red brass bell w/ large throat; 62H = double dependent valve 60H. 71H and 73H are tuning in bell; 60H and 62H are tuning in slide, and were developed from the Fuchs 70H model.

1972ish: 60H and 62H discontinued.

1979: 71H and 73H discontinued.

1980ish: 110H (single valve), 111H (double dependent valve), and 112H (double independent valve) introduced. These were new designs, based on work by Larry Minick - but were modified by Conn (e.g. increase in bell size to 10") to become something that he was not willing to associate himself with.

1990ish: 111H discontinued.

2000ish: Modern 62H introduced. According to people who should know, this is more closely related to the 112H than the old 62H.

2004ish: 62HCL and 62HG introduced. 62HCL exists in a number of different variants (bell size and slide bore).

"CG Conn Discontinued Trombone Model Specifications Below"

CG Conn Charles Gerard Conn started manufacturing brass instruments in Elkhart, Indiana, during the 1870s, and his company proved to be a great success. On Connï¿½s retirement in 1915, the company was sold to Carl Diamond Greenleaf. Under Greenleafï¿½s direction, the firm prospered, expanding still further through both organic growth and purchase of other companies. During his stewardship also, many instrument models and various innovations were introduced some of which are still around today, eg the system of numbers and letters for designating instrument models, vocabells (rimless bells), the renown Conn 88H series (it is rumoured that Vincent Bach modelled his famous Stradivarius 42 trombones on the 88H). This period, the following one under the administration of Paul Gazlay (1949-1958) and a third led by Greenleafï¿½s son Leland, are today considered to have been the golden years of the Conn Corporation. Conn trombones of this fabled era have a legendary reputation amongst the classical musicians and instruments manufactured in the 1950s and 60s are particularly prized by collectors.
In 1969, the Greenleaf family sold the company to the MacMillan Company, a publisher of books. The years under MacMillan ownership were something of a disaster, a dark age for Conn. MacMillan relocated Connï¿½s headquarters in Illinois, deliberately destroying historical records in the process, leading to loss of a (now) priceless and irreplaceable treasure trove of information about older Conn instruments. A fine new instrument factory in Elkhart was sold to Selmer (Vincent Bach instruments are now produced there) while Connï¿½s own instrument manufacturing was largely moved to Abilene, Texas, to take advantage of lower labour costs. However, MacMillan failed to appreciate that instrument manufacture is a labour-intensive process requiring a skilled workforce not to be found in Abilene. The first few years in Abilene were essentially learning ones for the new staff, and hence quality of output was very variable. Generally, Abilene-produced instruments have a poor reputation, although it is possible to find examples of good quality.

In 1980, the former Conn employee Daniel Henkin purchased the Conn Corporation from MacMillan. Amongst his achievements were to bring the company back to Elkhart and the purchase of King Musical Instruments. Conn and King were sold in 1985 to Skane Gripen, a Swedish conglomerate, which formed a new parent company, United Musical Instruments (UMI), under whose umbrella Conn and King remain today. The Abilene plant was closed the following year and production of Conn-badged instruments moved to Eastlake, Ohio, where King instruments were being made. Both King and Conn instruments produced in the following decade are generally considered by enthusiasts to be ordinary in terms of quality and character. In the late 1990s, however, UMI has made great strides in improving its manufacture of instruments. The updated Conn 88H models (ï¿½Generation II? in particular have come in for considerable praise, being likened by some professionals to be every bit as good as (if not better than) their Elkhart counterparts (click here to read a review on the 88H Gen2 series). It also appears that Conn may be reintroducing or improving old Conn favourites, eg the 62H.

Note: Older Conn trombones had Remington-style leadpipes which will only accept mouthpieces with Remington shanks. Newer instruments and retrofitted older instruments have leadpipes with a (Bach-style) Morse taper and hence will accept modern mouthpieces with standard shanks.

New! Gordon Cherry has very kindly given permission for his Conn trombone serial number list to be reproduced on this site. Click here here to view it.

New! According to Don Bilger, Conn also manufactured trombones under the Pan American and Cavalier brand names. He wasn't sure of the dates for Cavaliers, but Pan American production apparently ran from around 1917 to 1954 and the Pan American serial numbers don't mesh with the Conn serial number list (no source that correlates Pan American serial numbers with production dates is known). The Pan Americans he saw were all small straight tenors with .485" bores and 7" bells. There was a basic model sometimes called a 64H, and a more deluxe model with nickel trim termed the 68H. Both were reportedly modelled on the 4H professional-grade trombone.

2H According to the Conn Loyalist trombone list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Artists' Small Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special). 1919-1927, discontinued 1929.

3H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Artists' Small Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special). High and low pitch. 1919-1927, discontinued 1929.

4H .485 Small-bore, favoured for jazz, often compared with King 2B. Historical notes: according to the Conn Loyalist list, this designation was used for a #2 1/2 Bore Artists' Medium Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special) from 1919-1939. A #2 1/2 Bore Artist Special with Nickel Trim was introduced in 1936 and discontinued in 1941. A #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist with Light Weight Slides was introduced in 1940 and discontinued in 1954. A #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist Special with Light Weight Slides was introduced in 1940 and discontinued in 1941. A #2 1/2 Bore Victor was introduced in 1954 and discontinued in 1958. A #2 1/2 Bore Victor with Light Weight Slides was introduced in 1954 and discontinued in 1958.

5H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #2 1/2 Bore Artists' Medium Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special). High & Low Pitch. High and low pitch. 1919-1932.

6H .500 Small-bore, favoured for jazz, comparable to (but brighter than) King 3B. Historical notes: according to the Conn Loyalist list, this designation was used for a #3 Bore Bb Symphony Small Bore with 7.5" or 8" Bell introduced in 1918, discontinued 1928, and reinstated in 1937. Discontinued 1985(?).

7H .525 8.5 The 7H/78H series were possibly cloned subsequently by Blessing as their B-7 and B-78 models. The "new" 78H model introduced in the 1970s (ie the model number reused) was essentially a 7H with F attachment. Information about the 7H was kindly provided by Don Bilger. Historical notes: according to the Conn Loyalist list, this designation was used for a #3 Bore Bb Symphony Small Bore with 7.5" or 8" Bell (high and low pitch) introduced in 1918, discontinued 1928.

8H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #4 1/4 Bore Large Symphony from 1919-1934, and a #4 1/2 Bore Artist Symphony with red brass bell from 1954 to approximately 1974.

9H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Large Bore Symphony from 1919-1934.

10H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Small Bore from 1919-1930, and a #3 Bore Victor with Coprion Bell and Light Weight Slides from 1955 to 1963.

11H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Small Bore from 1919-1930.

12H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Bass with Piston Valve to F&E, 8 1/2" Bell and tuning in slide from 1919-1923, a #2 1/2 Bore Coprion from 1938-1955 and a #2 1/2 Bore Coprion with lightweight slides (available only on special order) from 1949 to 1955.

14H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Bass with Piston Valve to F&E from 1919-1923, a #4 1/2 + #3 1/2 Bore Medium Bass with rotary valve to F & E with tuning in slide from 1927-1932 and a #2 1/2 Bore Bb Director from 1954 to 1974.

16H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Alto from 1919-1948.

17H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Alto (high & low pitch) from 1919-1948.

18H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #3 Bore (Tait Model Tuning Device and Slides?) from 1919-1924, a #3 Bore "Frisco" Artist with 7", 7ï¿½" or 8" Bell from 1924-1931 and a #2 1/2 Bore Bb Director with Coprion bell from 1954 to 1974.

19H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #3 Bore (Tait Model Tuning Device and Slides?) in high and low pitch from 1919-1926.

20H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Combination Slide and Valve trombone from 1919-1926, and a #2 1/2Bore Connquest from 1954-1955.

21H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Combination Slide and Valve trombone from 1919-1926, and a #2 1/2Bore Connquest from 1954-1955.

22H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Alloo Model from 1919-1924, and a #? Bore Alloo Model from 1928-1932.

23H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Alloo Model (high and low pitch) from 1919-1924.

24H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Large Symphony Model from 1919-1924, a #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist Ballroom Model with tuning slide in bell from 1928-1951, and a #2 1/2 Bore Bb Medium Bore Artist Ball-room Model with tuning slide in bell from 1958 to 1970's.

25H According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Large Symphony Model from 1919-1924, and a #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist Ballroom Model with tuning slide in bell from 1928-1951.

Connqueror 44H .485 Small-bore, vocabell.

Connstellation 48H .500 8 Small-bore, comparable to (but brighter than) King 3B. Lightweight slide, bell may be nickel-plated.

Director 50H .525 8.5 F Medium-bore, student model. This instrument was in continuous production from the Elkhart era throughout all the changes of company ownership, only being discontinued recently (one or two years ago) to make way for UMI's new 52H (a .525/.547 "basic pro" horn with an F-attachment and 8-1/2 inch bell). Information about the 50H was kindly provided by Don Bilger.

60H .562 9.5 F Bass trombone. Tuning in the slide, rose brass bell. Highly regarded.

62H .562 9.5 F/E Bass trombone. Closed wrap, dependent valves (possibly may be pulled to Eb/D, but I'm not sure about this), tuning in the slide, rose brass bell. Very highly-regarded. A number were converted to open wrap by the legendary Larry Minick.

70H 9.5 F Bass trombone. Tuning in the slide. Very highly-regarded - favoured by the legendary George Roberts.

71H .562 9.5 F Bass trombone. Yellow brass bell. Highly regarded.

72H .562 9.5 F Bass trombone. Highly regarded.

73H .562 9.5 F/E Bass trombone. Yellow brass bell, dependent valves. Highly regarded.

Connquest 77H .522 8 Medium-bore intermediate model, poor relation of 78H.

78H .525 8.5 Elkart era instrument was medium-bore, professional model, yellow brass bell. Discontinued shortly after Conn was purchased by CCM. In the 1970s, a new 78H model was introduced (ie the model number reused) which was essentially a 7H with F attachment. These were possibly cloned subsequently by Blessing as their B-7 and B-78 models. The 7H/78H series was discontinued around the time that Daniel Henkin bought the company from CCM. Information about the 78H was kindly provided by Don Bilger.

79H .525 8.5 F Elkart era instrument was medium-bore, professional model, yellow brass bell. Discontinued shortly after Conn was purchased by CCM. Information about the 79H was kindly provided by Don Bilger.

98H .547/.562 9 F Essentially an 88H with a larger bell and dual bore slide, played by George Roberts in the later stages of his career.

111H .562 9.5 F/Eb Bass, rose brass bell, dependent valves.

"Edwards Trombone Slides"

Tenor Trombone Slides, Next Below

Edwards trombones are available with either the standard weight or an optional heavier slide. The heavier slide is specified with the letter "N", which refers to nickel sleeves and end crook. These slides can provide darker sounds that hold together well at extreme forte volumes. All slides come with three interchangeable leadpipes.

Large Bore

The following slides are compatible with both Edwards tenor models.

The T-STDN is the standard .547" single bore slide. This slide has a more rounded end crook similar to Conn slides. Quick in response, the T-STDN blows freely in all registers. A very centered tone can be achieved with this slide.

The T-STD-AN is the standard .547" single bore all nickel slide. This trombone slide has a more rounded end crook similar to Conn slides. Quick in response, the T-STD-AN blows freely in all registers and adds the warm characteristics of the nickel slides. The intensity of the fundamental is accented with upper overtones providing a unique blend of darkenss and brilliance.

The T-BCN has a bass end crook similar to Bach slides. The squared-off design of this crook allows for a very open low register and a bigger sound overall than the T-STDN slides. This slide is also a .547" bore.

The T-BC-AN has the same end crook as the T-BCN but with all nickel outer tubes. This slide combines the width of blow with a centered sound and quick response never before found without these material combinations.

The T-DBN is a .547"/.562" dual bore slide. This slide has a bass crook and provides the biggest sound in the middle and lower registers, ideal for an orchestral second trombonist.

The T-DB-AN is also a .547"/.562" dual bore, but with all nickel outer tubes. This slide has a bass crook and provides the biggest sound in the middle and lower registers, ideal for an orchestral second trombonist.

Medium Bore

All of the above slides may be used on the T327. However, there are slides exclusive to this model.

The T327-1(N) is a .525" single bore slide. Using this slide, the T327 is similar in size to a Bach 36.

The T327-2N is a .525"/.547" dual bore slide. This slide helps bridge the gap between the medium and large tenor trombones. This slide is only available with the nickel sleeves and end crook.

Small Bore

Edwards jazz trombones are available with either a yellow brass or nickel slide. The nickel slide is specified with the letter "N". All slides come with three interchangeable leadpipes.

Nickel slides are now available with a single radius endcrook for the .500" and .508" bore slides. This endcrook works great for individuals that want a feel similar to the 2B or 3B but with the modularity of an Edwards.

The T-302-1 is a .500" single bore all yellow brass slide with dual radius endcrook. This slide provides a player with the greatest flexibility in the upper register and is great for lead playing.

The T-302-1N is a .500" single bore slide with dual radius endcrook and nickel outer tubes.

The T-302-1N-S is a .500" single bore slide with single radius endcrook and nickel outer tubes.

The T-302-2 is a .500"/.508" dual bore slide all yellow brass slide. This slide bridges the gap between the smaller T-302-1 and T-302-3 slides.

The T-302-2N is a .500"/.508" dual bore slide with nickel outer tubes. (dual bore jazz slides are not currently available with single radius endcrooks)

The T-302-3 is a .508" single bore slide with all yellow brass outer tubes and dual radius endcrook. This slide has the most open feel of any Edwards jazz slide.

The T-302-3N is a .508" single bore slide with nickel outer tubes and dual radius endcrook.

The T-302-3N-S is a .508" single bore slide with nickel outer tubes and single radius endcrook.

Edwards Bass Trombone Slides, Next Below

Edwards bass trombones are available with either all nickel outer slide, or yellow brass outer tubes with nickel sleeves and end crook. Each slide carries different sound characteristics to allow you to change the color of your Edwards to your ideal sound. All slides come with three interchangeable leadpipes.

The B-STDN is the standard .562" bore bass trombone slide. This slide provides a player with greater flexibility in the upper register. It is most comparable to the Bach 50 slide. The B-STDN has an yellow brass outer slide with nickel sleeves and endcrook.

The B-STD-AN is the standard .562" bore all nickel bass trombone slide. The B-STD-AN has an all nickel outer slide without nickel sleeves. The all nickel slides are drawn to the same wall thicknesses as our yellow outer tube slides. This ensures forte volumes stay well in control by the player while giving a faster response and more core to the sound.

The B-DBN is a .562"/.578" dual bore slide. This slide adds width to the sound and blows freely in the low register. The B-DBN has a yellow brass outer slide with nickel sleeves and endcrook Three leadpipes aid the player in achieving the desired compression of the individual instrument.

The B-DB-AN is a .562"/.578" all nickel dual bore slide. This slide adds width to the sound and blows freely in the low register. Three leadpipes aid the player in achieving the desired compression of the individual instrument. The all nickel slides are drawn to the same wall thicknesses as our yellow outer tube slides. This ensures forte volumes stay well in control by the player while giving a faster response and more core to the sound.

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In Their Own Words

Unai Urrecho

"I like the sound color that it has and also the different changes of sound that I can make with the trombone and definitely is much easier to play legato and high. For me is not good only for orchestra but for solo, too. I do both things and it works perfect. I am happy to play an Edwards."

Unai Urrecho
Principal Trombonist, Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra

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CG Conn	Charles Gerard Conn started manufacturing brass instruments in Elkhart, Indiana, during the 1870s, and his company proved to be a great success. On Connï¿½s retirement in 1915, the company was sold to Carl Diamond Greenleaf. Under Greenleafï¿½s direction, the firm prospered, expanding still further through both organic growth and purchase of other companies. During his stewardship also, many instrument models and various innovations were introduced some of which are still around today, eg the system of numbers and letters for designating instrument models, vocabells (rimless bells), the renown Conn 88H series (it is rumoured that Vincent Bach modelled his famous Stradivarius 42 trombones on the 88H). This period, the following one under the administration of Paul Gazlay (1949-1958) and a third led by Greenleafï¿½s son Leland, are today considered to have been the golden years of the Conn Corporation. Conn trombones of this fabled era have a legendary reputation amongst the classical musicians and instruments manufactured in the 1950s and 60s are particularly prized by collectors. In 1969, the Greenleaf family sold the company to the MacMillan Company, a publisher of books. The years under MacMillan ownership were something of a disaster, a dark age for Conn. MacMillan relocated Connï¿½s headquarters in Illinois, deliberately destroying historical records in the process, leading to loss of a (now) priceless and irreplaceable treasure trove of information about older Conn instruments. A fine new instrument factory in Elkhart was sold to Selmer (Vincent Bach instruments are now produced there) while Connï¿½s own instrument manufacturing was largely moved to Abilene, Texas, to take advantage of lower labour costs. However, MacMillan failed to appreciate that instrument manufacture is a labour-intensive process requiring a skilled workforce not to be found in Abilene. The first few years in Abilene were essentially learning ones for the new staff, and hence quality of output was very variable. Generally, Abilene-produced instruments have a poor reputation, although it is possible to find examples of good quality. In 1980, the former Conn employee Daniel Henkin purchased the Conn Corporation from MacMillan. Amongst his achievements were to bring the company back to Elkhart and the purchase of King Musical Instruments. Conn and King were sold in 1985 to Skane Gripen, a Swedish conglomerate, which formed a new parent company, United Musical Instruments (UMI), under whose umbrella Conn and King remain today. The Abilene plant was closed the following year and production of Conn-badged instruments moved to Eastlake, Ohio, where King instruments were being made. Both King and Conn instruments produced in the following decade are generally considered by enthusiasts to be ordinary in terms of quality and character. In the late 1990s, however, UMI has made great strides in improving its manufacture of instruments. The updated Conn 88H models (ï¿½Generation II? in particular have come in for considerable praise, being likened by some professionals to be every bit as good as (if not better than) their Elkhart counterparts (click here to read a review on the 88H Gen2 series). It also appears that Conn may be reintroducing or improving old Conn favourites, eg the 62H. Note: Older Conn trombones had Remington-style leadpipes which will only accept mouthpieces with Remington shanks. Newer instruments and retrofitted older instruments have leadpipes with a (Bach-style) Morse taper and hence will accept modern mouthpieces with standard shanks. New! Gordon Cherry has very kindly given permission for his Conn trombone serial number list to be reproduced on this site. Click here here to view it. New! According to Don Bilger, Conn also manufactured trombones under the Pan American and Cavalier brand names. He wasn't sure of the dates for Cavaliers, but Pan American production apparently ran from around 1917 to 1954 and the Pan American serial numbers don't mesh with the Conn serial number list (no source that correlates Pan American serial numbers with production dates is known). The Pan Americans he saw were all small straight tenors with .485" bores and 7" bells. There was a basic model sometimes called a 64H, and a more deluxe model with nickel trim termed the 68H. Both were reportedly modelled on the 4H professional-grade trombone.
	2H				According to the Conn Loyalist trombone list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Artists' Small Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special). 1919-1927, discontinued 1929.
	3H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Artists' Small Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special). High and low pitch. 1919-1927, discontinued 1929.
	4H	.485			Small-bore, favoured for jazz, often compared with King 2B. Historical notes: according to the Conn Loyalist list, this designation was used for a #2 1/2 Bore Artists' Medium Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special) from 1919-1939. A #2 1/2 Bore Artist Special with Nickel Trim was introduced in 1936 and discontinued in 1941. A #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist with Light Weight Slides was introduced in 1940 and discontinued in 1954. A #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist Special with Light Weight Slides was introduced in 1940 and discontinued in 1941. A #2 1/2 Bore Victor was introduced in 1954 and discontinued in 1958. A #2 1/2 Bore Victor with Light Weight Slides was introduced in 1954 and discontinued in 1958.
	5H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #2 1/2 Bore Artists' Medium Bore with 6.5" or 7" Bell (Wurlitzer Special). High & Low Pitch. High and low pitch. 1919-1932.
	6H	.500			Small-bore, favoured for jazz, comparable to (but brighter than) King 3B. Historical notes: according to the Conn Loyalist list, this designation was used for a #3 Bore Bb Symphony Small Bore with 7.5" or 8" Bell introduced in 1918, discontinued 1928, and reinstated in 1937. Discontinued 1985(?).
	7H	.525	8.5		The 7H/78H series were possibly cloned subsequently by Blessing as their B-7 and B-78 models. The "new" 78H model introduced in the 1970s (ie the model number reused) was essentially a 7H with F attachment. Information about the 7H was kindly provided by Don Bilger. Historical notes: according to the Conn Loyalist list, this designation was used for a #3 Bore Bb Symphony Small Bore with 7.5" or 8" Bell (high and low pitch) introduced in 1918, discontinued 1928.
	8H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #4 1/4 Bore Large Symphony from 1919-1934, and a #4 1/2 Bore Artist Symphony with red brass bell from 1954 to approximately 1974.
	9H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Large Bore Symphony from 1919-1934.
	10H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Small Bore from 1919-1930, and a #3 Bore Victor with Coprion Bell and Light Weight Slides from 1955 to 1963.
	11H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Small Bore from 1919-1930.
	12H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Bass with Piston Valve to F&E, 8 1/2" Bell and tuning in slide from 1919-1923, a #2 1/2 Bore Coprion from 1938-1955 and a #2 1/2 Bore Coprion with lightweight slides (available only on special order) from 1949 to 1955.
	14H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Bass with Piston Valve to F&E from 1919-1923, a #4 1/2 + #3 1/2 Bore Medium Bass with rotary valve to F & E with tuning in slide from 1927-1932 and a #2 1/2 Bore Bb Director from 1954 to 1974.
	16H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Alto from 1919-1948.
	17H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #1 1/2 Bore Alto (high & low pitch) from 1919-1948.
	18H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #3 Bore (Tait Model Tuning Device and Slides?) from 1919-1924, a #3 Bore "Frisco" Artist with 7", 7ï¿½" or 8" Bell from 1924-1931 and a #2 1/2 Bore Bb Director with Coprion bell from 1954 to 1974.
	19H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #3 Bore (Tait Model Tuning Device and Slides?) in high and low pitch from 1919-1926.
	20H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Combination Slide and Valve trombone from 1919-1926, and a #2 1/2Bore Connquest from 1954-1955.
	21H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Combination Slide and Valve trombone from 1919-1926, and a #2 1/2Bore Connquest from 1954-1955.
	22H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Alloo Model from 1919-1924, and a #? Bore Alloo Model from 1928-1932.
	23H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Alloo Model (high and low pitch) from 1919-1924.
	24H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Large Symphony Model from 1919-1924, a #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist Ballroom Model with tuning slide in bell from 1928-1951, and a #2 1/2 Bore Bb Medium Bore Artist Ball-room Model with tuning slide in bell from 1958 to 1970's.
	25H				According to the Conn Loyalist list, this was a #? Bore Large Symphony Model from 1919-1924, and a #2 1/2 Bore Medium Bore Artist Ballroom Model with tuning slide in bell from 1928-1951.
	Connqueror 44H	.485			Small-bore, vocabell.
	Connstellation 48H	.500	8		Small-bore, comparable to (but brighter than) King 3B. Lightweight slide, bell may be nickel-plated.
	Director 50H	.525	8.5	F	Medium-bore, student model. This instrument was in continuous production from the Elkhart era throughout all the changes of company ownership, only being discontinued recently (one or two years ago) to make way for UMI's new 52H (a .525/.547 "basic pro" horn with an F-attachment and 8-1/2 inch bell). Information about the 50H was kindly provided by Don Bilger.
	60H	.562	9.5	F	Bass trombone. Tuning in the slide, rose brass bell. Highly regarded.
	62H	.562	9.5	F/E	Bass trombone. Closed wrap, dependent valves (possibly may be pulled to Eb/D, but I'm not sure about this), tuning in the slide, rose brass bell. Very highly-regarded. A number were converted to open wrap by the legendary Larry Minick.
	70H		9.5	F	Bass trombone. Tuning in the slide. Very highly-regarded - favoured by the legendary George Roberts.
	71H	.562	9.5	F	Bass trombone. Yellow brass bell. Highly regarded.
	72H	.562	9.5	F	Bass trombone. Highly regarded.
	73H	.562	9.5	F/E	Bass trombone. Yellow brass bell, dependent valves. Highly regarded.
	Connquest 77H	.522	8		Medium-bore intermediate model, poor relation of 78H.
	78H	.525	8.5		Elkart era instrument was medium-bore, professional model, yellow brass bell. Discontinued shortly after Conn was purchased by CCM. In the 1970s, a new 78H model was introduced (ie the model number reused) which was essentially a 7H with F attachment. These were possibly cloned subsequently by Blessing as their B-7 and B-78 models. The 7H/78H series was discontinued around the time that Daniel Henkin bought the company from CCM. Information about the 78H was kindly provided by Don Bilger.
	79H	.525	8.5	F	Elkart era instrument was medium-bore, professional model, yellow brass bell. Discontinued shortly after Conn was purchased by CCM. Information about the 79H was kindly provided by Don Bilger.
	98H	.547/.562	9	F	Essentially an 88H with a larger bell and dual bore slide, played by George Roberts in the later stages of his career.
	111H	.562	9.5	F/Eb	Bass, rose brass bell, dependent valves.