Between the 72H and the 71H Conn bass bones, which in your opinion is the better choice for big band work and why?

Looking for a 2nd horn. Can't decide if I should find another 72H or peruse a 71H. I've never had the opportunity to play a 71H.

Thanks in advance for your opinions and insights.

They're pretty much the same. Their design, aside from the wraps, are virtually identical. I was told part of the sound or tone quality that is produced is from the crook and the bell taper. The only real difference between the 2 may be bell thickness. In My experience the early Elkhart 72Hs, and most larger bore Conns, had a slightly thinner bell than the later Elkhart and Texas Conn large bores, including the 71H. Leadpipes play a part in this as well. However, with all of that being said, i haven't had any complaints about how my 71H sounds in orchestra or bigband playing. And playing between a 72H and a 71H on day, i was told the 72H had a darker sound. So in the end how you precieve the sound will have the greatest influence on how the horn will play.

Fwiw

Thanks!

The 72H is easier to find than the 71H, and you can put a counterweight on it, which may be nice after two or three hours of playing in a big band. I've played a 73H for a very long time, and I'd recommend having the valve bored out on either horn.

They will both peel paint with a Shilke 60, and it is nice to have the longer slide.

Good luck!