 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-09-15 17:16
good
All seriousness aside, my experience is limited to having overhauled one 424N. I was actually quite impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship (unlike newer Conns which are abysmal). It played pretty well too, as I recall, although it was about five years ago so I don't remember the details.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-15 17:26
Big bore, no undercutting of tone holes. Used by many jazz musicians (including Artie Shaw?) in the 40's.
Lots of information in the archives if you care to look ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif) ...GBK
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2004-09-15 17:46
GBK Didn't Arthur Worshovsky use a Conn 444N?
jmsa
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-15 17:59
Very possibly a 444N, but the differences between the 424N and the 444N are minimal.
From everything I've read about Artie, he probably didn't know, or care...GBK
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-09-15 21:48
As the owner of too many Conns, I can say that these are just average players. If the instrument in question has fresh pads, and is under $250 - why not try it out?
If it needs an overhaul, you'll likely invest more than resale value.
If a serious instrument is what you're after, the Selmer Series 9 is a solid performer in the 'Big Bore" (larger than 14.7mm) camp.
The Selmer 'Signet' line was often well made, and a surprisingly sweet horn.
These are readily available for not too much cash.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2004-09-15 23:29
John Butler sent me a beautifully restored 424N when I was auditioning jazz horns and it really was a nice player except that the intonation left a lot to be desired and I was just plain tired out after playing for several hours and bending a lot of the notes to bring them in tune. The example that I played had a "huge" sound and was very easy to play. Perhaps a player with an iron embouchure might love one or some expert voicing might do the trick.
The Doctor
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Author: jack
Date: 2004-09-16 21:57
According to Conn, the 444N was the top of the line in the years produced and was a fine instrument indeed for its time. A large bore and a popular "big band" clarinet. From what I've read, including recently, it actually was the instrument Artie used to record many of his most famous recordings, even though he may have endorsed others also on a commercial basis. Other clarinets in the 444N model range were the 446n with 18 keys & 7 rings and the 448N with 20 keys & 7 rings (articulated G#, fork Eb-Bb mechanism, low Eb key & extra Eb-Ab lever). This line was differentiated by having a gold embossed Conn insignia on the bell. The 424N is undoubtedly a similar instrument to the 444N. From my experience a well regulated 444N is a fine instrument that compares well to a modern high end instrument in most respects except for intonation problems. It seems to have achieved the status of a collectible horn, imho.
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