Trying to find what kind of Conn horn I have

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KelanG
Posts: 12
Joined: Sep 05, 2024

by KelanG »

I have a Conn horn I have had for about a year and 3 months now. I know the horn is a Conn, however I am unsure of the model as it is modified and has an interesting lacquer that was messed up. the F attachment has a pretty cool coin as well, a quarter from 1843. I am unsure of how to post photos or I would to be able to show the horn in more detail. all I know is that it is old, still in great condition but at least 10-15 years old.
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hyperbolica
Posts: 3990
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by hyperbolica »

An "old" trombone could be over 100 years old. They aren't really considered "old" until they are maybe 30 years old. The average age of my trombones is probably 70 years. The only trombone I know of with a coin or a medalion are Holtons.

A few pictures would really help. Here's how to do that <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=107">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=107</LINK_TEXT>

But I think you're going to have to have 3 posts approved by the mods for the board to let you post pix. So just add more details in a couple of additional posts.
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KelanG
Posts: 12
Joined: Sep 05, 2024

by KelanG »

Thank you for letting me know. the only thing I can compare it to is a Conn 88h. it looks decently similar, especially the F attachment. I am decently sure the coin is custom.
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hyperbolica
Posts: 3990
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by hyperbolica »

The 88h model started in the mid 1950s. They all had the standard valve and wrap until maybe the 90s, but after that have been multiple valves and wraps.
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Briande
Posts: 207
Joined: Jan 12, 2020

by Briande »

The Conn Loyalist website might be helpful. It has pictures of all their models: https://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnTrombone.html
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KelanG
Posts: 12
Joined: Sep 05, 2024

by KelanG »

The only thing that makes it difficult for it to identify Is the lacquer, as it is very clouded. all I can really make out is the Conn logo
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

If it looks "sorta" like an 88H, it probably has a model number right near the serial number which is near where the bell attaches to the slide. No matter how occluded the lacquer is you should be able to read this (especially if you can read the Conn engraving).

There are a number of Conn models with F-attachment wraps similar to the 88H, including the 52H, 70H, and 79H.

Other clues might be whether the tuning slide is in the bell section or on the slide; and what size mouthpiece shank fits.

Occluded lacquer could be the result of a steam treatment or an unsuccessful attempt to strip.

You now have enough posts that you can post some pictures.
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KelanG
Posts: 12
Joined: Sep 05, 2024

by KelanG »

<ATTACHMENT filename="20240906_164303.jpg" index="0">[attachment=0]20240906_164303.jpg</ATTACHMENT> I couldn't get a great lighting on the bell, however I think I could make out

MR88

I_

CSA

that's all I could really make out. sorry it is really hard to read. the only reason I could read the Conn logo was its size. Only number I'm 100% certian on are the MR and CSA. I'm not sure on the middle line at all
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atopper333
Posts: 377
Joined: Mar 09, 2022

by atopper333 »

Thinking that might be an Abilene Conn 88. Does it look something like this?
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KelanG
Posts: 12
Joined: Sep 05, 2024

by KelanG »

That is exactly what the bell looks like! thank you! I really love the horn, but having been leaning more towards playing bass trombone and possibly selling that horn. still unsure but definitely wanted to see what kind it was.
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atopper333
Posts: 377
Joined: Mar 09, 2022

by atopper333 »

Not a problem at all, happy to help. Mine was from the early to mid 70s. It was a beautiful horn and played quite well. If I remember correctly, the engraving spelled out Made In USA…
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KelanG
Posts: 12
Joined: Sep 05, 2024

by KelanG »

I think it might say that, it's really hard to read! awesome horn, love the sound but I hardly find myself playing it anymore, and would get more of a use out of one. honestly might not sell it for the memories I have with it, as it was the bone I used for my first solo/feature. honestly could go either way. thank you for all your help!