Conn Director trumpet with Coprion bell - thoughts?

Christophomicus

Hi folks,

Four trumpets isn't nearly enough to call a collection, so I figured I'd get a few more to make it legit.

I've been keeping my eye on a nice Conn Director with the Coprion bell for a few days now, and the auction's ending soon on eBay, so I was thinking of swooping in and grabbing it. Lacquer looks about 95% intact. The horn looks so damn gorgeous I'll probably buy it anyway just to look at.

Anyone played one? How much should I pay before it becomes too much?
_________________
-Bach 180-37LR, B&S Challenger 3137/2, Getzen Eterna, Conn Constellation
-Bach Stradivarius 184ML, CarolBrass 3880 GSS-BB-SLB
-ACB Doubler's Flugel

ConnArtist · Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 12:50 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't pay much more than 100 USD. Maybe $150 if it is in excellent to mint condition. They are just very solid student trumpets. Not unlike the Olds Ambassadors, but prettier.

The Coprion Director *cornets*, on the other hand... Still only fetch about $100-150, but the ones from the correct years have gorgeous tone!
_________________
"Stomvi" PhrankenPhlugel w/ Blessing copper bell
1958 Conn 18A cornet
1962 Conn 9A cornet (yes, the Unicorn

)
Reynolds Onyx cornet
c. 1955? Besson 10-10 trumpet
1939 Martin Imperial Handcraft “Model 37”
1986 Bach Strad 37 ML

Mdbri · Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 10:27 am Post subject:

ConnArtist · Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 11:26 am Post subject:

The best years, in my opinion, are 1958-1959. This is when they had the large bore (0.485") and the 5" Connstellation bell. The cornets. *not* the trumpets!

It is not as free blowing as some large-bores, and a lot of resistance in the upper register, but the timbre is gorgeous. I think most would prefer not to use this as a pro horn, but I play with this on gigs all the time because, though it is a bit harder to play up high, the tone is just gorgeous with a proper, deep mpc.

Some people say these sound like flugelhorns, but I say they just sound the way a cornet *should* sound. Very mellow. I use words like "buttery" "smokey" and "velvet" to describe the texture of sounds that emanate from this horn...
_________________
"Stomvi" PhrankenPhlugel w/ Blessing copper bell
1958 Conn 18A cornet
1962 Conn 9A cornet (yes, the Unicorn

)
Reynolds Onyx cornet
c. 1955? Besson 10-10 trumpet
1939 Martin Imperial Handcraft “Model 37”
1986 Bach Strad 37 ML

gbdeamer · Heavyweight Member Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 2301

gregplo

Mdbri · Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 12:46 am Post subject:

Thanks, ConnArtist

jiarby · Heavyweight Member Joined: 08 Jul 2011 Posts: 1188

I got a 1970 Coprion Director locally on craigslist... $40.
There is a `62 one in nice condition on eBay right now.

Kosax · Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:45 pm Post subject:

My son has a 1958 (verified by serial number) Conn Director Coprion trumpet. Either someone removed the lacquer or it has totally worn off, but is totally gone. I bought this for him around 2011 and think I paid 125 dollars for it. Now my son is an outstanding trumpet player-- Played lead in the Cadets D&B and passed audition for the Marine Corps D&B in DC, also scholarship to Univ of the Arts in Philly. He absolutely loves this horn and states that it has a nice mellow sound. States they are much better then any modern student horn. I definately think it depends on what year(s) of production though. I've heard the 1958-59 ones are the best.

Beyond16 · Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2022 5:02 pm Post subject:

Here's a Conn shooting stars Director trumpet with coprion bell that might go for cheap: Conn - Trumpet - In Case - Not Tested