Conn 6B vs Connstellation 38B

jojocat · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:23 am Post subject: Conn 6B vs Connstellation 38B

Hi guys,

I recently tried a Conn Constellation and I fell in love with the sound of this horn.

I checked on the net to find one that my poor budget could afford, but it looks like the Connstellation 38B holds a high value. Maybe partially because iconic Chet Baker played this horn...same thing with Miles vs the Committees.

Anyway, I can't afford one right now. But after checking the Conn horns, I found the 6B who shares a lot of specs with the 38B. I especially likes the big 5 1/8'' bell.

Some guys told me both are almost identical in feel, blow, sound and projection. Interesting cause you can almost get two 6B Victor for the price of a Connstellation.

What's your opinion, Conn afficionados?

Thanks for any inout!
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jojocat · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 11:40 am Post subject:

Or any opinion on a Conn model that could be close to the Connsellation...

Thanks again!
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aTrumpetdude · Regular Member Joined: 20 Jun 2016 Posts: 74

I have had both of these horns. To me they are similar in the way they play so I could see you liking the 6B if you like the 38B. I think they are sweet horns with really unique and cool tone. Here is a couple video demos I did of the horns.

1961 6B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLF8QLD9de0

1958 38B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD1OISW0CEY
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jojocat · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 12:12 pm Post subject:

jojocat · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 12:14 pm Post subject:

Trumpetdude, what's the mouthpiece(s) used to record both of your videos?
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razeontherock · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 1:48 pm Post subject:

Cat can play! I hope you're performing somewhere, and not just playing in your garage? I hate to ask where you get this endless supply of vintage horns from ...

Do you have a favorite, or regular daily player?

aTrumpetdude · Regular Member Joined: 20 Jun 2016 Posts: 74

aTrumpetdude · Regular Member Joined: 20 Jun 2016 Posts: 74

BRM2 · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 3:16 pm Post subject:

I have owned both of these horns. While both horns may have similar specs and have a similar feel, the 38B has a better sound then the 6B. The sound of this horn is head and shoulders above the 6B and many horns in the market today. The 36B is also a fantastic choice.

Save your money and get the 38B.
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jojocat · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2017 4:34 pm Post subject:

jojocat · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2017 5:35 am Post subject:

I checked on some canadian ads websites and I found a Connstellation 38B in pristine condition ( with Amado keys ) that I could deal for CAD $ 500. Unfortunately it's a mid '80 model and I seriously doubt these are of the same quality than the good old Elkhart models...
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jojocat · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2017 5:54 pm Post subject:

By the way, where the name Victor comes from?
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Sturmbill · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:26 am Post subject:

You might enjoy this. Tells the lineage of the 6B...

http://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnArticle17.html
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jojocat · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 9:14 am Post subject:

okayove · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:42 pm Post subject:

Fwiw, I have 2 38B made in Elkhart, and 1 from Texas. The Texas horn may not bee of the same quality but it plays twice as good as the Elkhart horns.....
And yes, it bugs me a little😉. Just saying.....
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chapahi · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 2:32 am Post subject:

I never used to like the Connstellation and wondered what people heard in it. Then I stumbled upon a player from arond 1968. Bought it on the spot for 800 dollars even though I wasn't in the market for another horn. Had a blast playing it. Best to try before you buy.
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trumanjazzguy · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 3:24 am Post subject:

38B's with nickel bells are often very dead and dark sounding. They can be really hard to brighten up and the feedback is NOT GOOD compared to a normal belled horn. I recently bought a gem of a 6B which, to my knowledge, outplays any 38B myself or Jim Manley has tried (it was his horn before I got it). It is in rare factory Satin Silver finish with a gold-wash bell. Only problem is it feels rather tight to me above high D...but part of that problem is I'm used to playing a Conn Vintage One with rounded tuning slide that is WIDE OPEN in all registers. I feel if I can use my air more efficiently, the 6B will end up giving me a big endurance boost.
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razeontherock · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 1:24 pm Post subject:

razeontherock · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 1:27 pm Post subject:

Another factor with the 38B, or 36B: they are known for having valves very out of alignment, and therefore benefiting from a PVA a LOT. Added expense.

jojocat · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 1:32 pm Post subject:

Just missed a 6B on e-Bay. The one with coprion leadpipe. There was some red rot on the tuning slide and the seller said compression was so-so. The auction went pretty high and I didn't want to pay that much.
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The least we can do is wave to each other

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