Bell Front American Baritones

[aroberts781]

Rodgeman recently posted a video of Maynard Ferguson playing a bell front baritone in a big band setting and it got me thinking that it would be fun to have one of those horns for various types of music and occasions when I'm looking for a different sound. Mostly I'm thinking of using it for jazz-type stuff, but maybe concert band-type music occasionally as well.

What types of horns would I be looking for? Conn 20i? Conn 14i? Some sort of King?

Thanks for you thoughts!

[davewerden]

To someone who is used to a modern compensating horn, the top brands of the American-style bell front horns will seem similar in blowing. My personal choices would be a Conn or King, in their better series. Look for the rolled ends on the slide receivers, which was not present on the cheaper models.

The Conn bell-front is adjustable (not in the cheap models). The King is a fixed bell. If being able to turn to specific angles is important, then you want a Conn.

The Conn has a smoother, more mellow sound. The King's sound is a little more brassy, and might be capable of handling more powerful input, but most jazz players would not reach that level of input for a euphonium because it gets blatty-sounding on either brand. I think it might be easier to project with the King at average input levels.

[aroberts781]

Thanks for all that info Dave. Any idea what King model numbers to look for for the nicer models?

[davewerden]

Thanks for all that info Dave. Any idea what King model numbers to look for for the nicer models?

Well, I know the 2266 is the right model in the 4-valve version, but I don't know the number for the 3-valve. If you see a "King Cleveland" (as a model name) that would be the lower model. The text on any King may say the horn is made in Cleveland, but that would apply to either line. "Diplomat" is also a student line.

Here is one of the 3-valve Kings that appears to be the higher line, just as an example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254931105387

It has the extra roll on the tuning slide receiver:



Most of the 4-valve Kings you see appear to be the top model, so that is simpler!

[daruby]

In the postwar Conn line, you would be looking for a 20i (Artist Series) which is a 3 valve with short action valves. Alternatively, in a 4 valve, the 24i Connstellation was the premier horn from early 1950s until late 1960s.

Doug

[DaveBj]

Would you believe it -- I grew up less than a mile from the Conn factory, but I have never so much as touched a Connstellation, let alone played one.

[Richard III]

Would you believe it -- I grew up less than a mile from the Conn factory, but I have never so much as touched a Connstellation, let alone played one.

Says the man with a Conn 86I. Sigh. I keep looking for an 84I. Long wait.

[DaveBj]

Says the man with a Conn 86I. Sigh. I keep looking for an 84I. Long wait.

Well, yeah, the Connstellation would have to be really good to beat my old 86I. Still . . .

[Shinn]

eBay has a couple Conn 20Is listed-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/333979120492

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133717196314

[davewerden]

eBay has a couple Conn 20Is listed-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/333979120492

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133717196314

Good catch! They both have nice cases apparently, which is a plus. If it were me I'd be tempted to go for the $400 horn - its leadpipe looks to be in better shape. And the horn seems to be in ready-do-play condition. It has short-action valves, too, which are great fun!

[Richard III]

eBay has a couple Conn 20Is listed-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/333979120492

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133717196314

Sorry. I've got a nice 3 valve. Looking for a Conn 4 valve. Where, oh where, will my desires be fulfilled?

[1Cor13:4]

This isn't an American horn, but it's front facing bell might fit the bill.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324466041056

[Shinn]

Dave Werden posted this listing today-

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...m#.YQrfqSX3aEc

[Entety303]

From what I have seen the king 2266 is actually currently going out of production and its completely sold out in Europe. A few american stores do still have it though if you want a brand new horn.

[Morris7961]

Sorry wrong post