Conn constellation

tim · by **tim** » 2024-08-20 7:48 p.m.

Conn constellation is too bright, is there anything we can do to darken the tone?

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2024-08-20 7:50 p.m.

Don't blow so hard ;)

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2024-08-20 8:31 p.m.

[quote="tim"]Conn constellation is too bright, is there anything we can do to darken the tone?[/quote]

48h, right? I've found that the sound is actually pretty dark, I think the articulations may be giving it that sound that you're thinking about. Approach it like a classical horn, maybe even put a bigger mouthpiece on it. But try to lighten the articulations for sure. And, yeah, backing off on the air will help you back off the articulations too. If you find you're exhaling at the ends of phrases, you're definitely giving it too much air.

mazman · by **mazman** » 2024-08-20 8:48 p.m.

Conn 3 piece and easy on the air. It's a rich buttery tone. You can still light it up if you want.

tim · by **tim** » 2024-08-20 10:11 p.m.

It's a student playing it. I've told him he's over blowing, we'll try a conn 3 I have tomorrow

tim · by **tim** » 2024-08-20 10:26 p.m.

I've played it and it comes across pretty bright, I'm using a bach 3 in it. My usual horn is elkie 62h, I'm pretty used to dark.

Posaunus · by **Posaunus** » 2024-08-20 11:51 p.m.

I have a Connstellation 5C-N small-shank mouthpiece that works very well with a Conn 48H Connstellation (0.500" bore). It's bigger than a Conn 3 - Cup I.D. 25.55mm / 1.006"; Throat 6.15mm / 0.242". Nearly identical to the Connstellation "Remington" (small-shank version of the classic 88H "Remington"). Slightly shallower cup; narrower rim. Produced ~1962-1972. Probably a bit large for a 48H, but definitely will "darken" the sound.

Windmill · by **Windmill** » 2024-08-21 2:22 p.m.

That's why the horn is made for. Why try to darken it ? If you need a fork, don't choose the knife and try to pick noodles with it !

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2024-08-21 2:28 p.m.

[quote="tim"]I've played it and it comes across pretty bright, I'm using a bach 3 in it. My usual horn is elkie 62h, I'm pretty used to dark.[/quote]

When I'm switching between bass and 500 bore, it always takes an adjustment to hold back on the air. Especially with the 48h.

Dickie · by **Dickie** » 2024-12-27 4:53 p.m.

I own a Conn Connstellation (48h) that I inherited from my father. It’s a nice trombone, doesn’t play too bright but I prefer my King 3B Supersonic.

Thrawn22 · by **Thrawn22** » 2025-01-01 4:19 p.m.

Tonal color is also a conceptual thing. I've owned a few 48Hs and they can darken up. Put the petal to the metal and you can blend with a big band trumpet section. I was using a Bach 7 with it and it worked fine.

brassmedic · by **brassmedic** » 2025-01-01 6:04 p.m.

[quote="Windmill"]That's why the horn is made for. Why try to darken it ? If you need a fork, don't choose the knife and try to pick noodles with it ![/quote]
This.

They can be very bright. Sometimes that's what is needed. But it's also very warm at softer dynamics.

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