 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinator
Date: 2002-02-03 19:26
There is an ad in the sneezy classifieds for a 1920's CONN. Says it is a great Jazz horn and blows with great intonation. I was under the impression that CONN clarinets were not very good. This one has a wrap around register and was overhauled. Apparently is must be a big bore, because the seller is including a Vandoren 5JB mouthpiece and a custom barrel. The price seems pretty good, but what do you all think of a CONN? Especially one that old? Thanks. I look forward to reading your responses before I make a decision to buy.
The Clarinator
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-02-03 20:22
Older Conns in the 424 and 444 series were considered pretty decent big bore horns, though I think the Selmer Centered Tone, Balanced Tone, and Series 9 have the edge in terms of reputation.
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Author: Anne
Date: 2002-02-03 22:11
I own a Conn 444N, tweaked by Brad Wheery of Seattle. I like it a lot, but the sound is not a focused as I expected. I'm still working on mp and reed combinations for it.
I've noticed that my 5JB doesn't make the best sound for this horn. I have a few Larry Combs and even a Claude Lakey. The Pete Fountain crystal is perhaps the best.
I'm saving the 5JB for my silver Conn, but it does nicely on a custom Boosey and Hawkes 1-10 (with two barrels and a custom case-not the true bottom of the line). I spoke to the seller, and passed on this particular horn because I already owned mine. I paid $300 for my Conn in a private transaction. No mp. Ugly case.
You will have to be the judge as to value. If you are interested, why not get a phone audition? The seller can play!!!
Best,
Anne
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-02-04 02:14
As stated above the Conn 444 and 424 are big bore clarinets. Finding modern mouthpieces that work with them (intonation) is the trick. They usually play on the sharp side (my experience) with modern mouthpieces with small or medium chambers. I've found the the stock mouthpieces if available and in good enough shape to be touched up usually work the best, even if it is a Conn precision or steel lay.
jbutler
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-02-05 12:28
The student grade Conns (labeled as Pan American, sometimes with the name Conn included and sometimes without) were quite poor. I cannot really speak to their higher grades but everything that I have read indicates that while they were decent instruments that they never reached the class of Pruefer, Penzel-Mueller, Buffet, Selmer, Leblanc or Yamaha.
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