Why do some conn mouthpieces have a star before the number?

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cb56
Posts: 155
Joined: Sep 17, 2023

by cb56 »

I'm still thinking my 1929 78h might need a shorter shank because it tunes slightly flat. ?
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Posaunus
Posts: 5018
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by Posaunus »

[quote="cb56"]I'm still thinking my 1929 78h might need a shorter shank because it tunes slightly flat. ?[/quote]

So does my 1936 Conn 30H "Burkle." I love this trombone, its sound, and its incredible range (both high & low notes are easily played). But I have to play with the tuning slide all the way in to get an in-tune B-flat in closed 1st position. I prefer to tune with 1st about ½ inch out.
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CalgaryTbone
Posts: 1460
Joined: May 10, 2018

by CalgaryTbone »

A440 wasn't really set as the standard for "low pitch" yet at that point. A lot of older brass instruments are actually built a few cents lower than 440. Nobody wants to cut down a historic instrument like those mentioned in the last couple of posts, but there might not be another option that gets them up to pitch. A shorter mouthpiece might help, but it might mess with the response and tuning (overtone series).

Jim Scott