Thought on a Conn 112? Looking for my first bass trombone.

[Dobbins]

Hi everyone, I'm just finally making it over here from the old trombone forums.

I am looking for a bass trombone. I have played trombone for 25 years, but I've never had a bass trombone or played one much. I am looking for any recommendations, but so far the one I have encountered is at my local music shop. It is a Conn 112, independent rotors, .562 bore, 10" Rose Brass bell. This horn is new, and I'd like your thoughts. They are only asking $3500, which I feel is a deal, although I think I may be able to get a better horn for less if I hunt a bit.

My Tenor is a Conn 88H with an F attachment, a Lindberg valve, and a Silver Bell. I have had the horn for 17 years, and while I like it and like Conn, I get the impression that the brand itself has gone downhill over the last couple of decades. The response on my current horn is not always the best.

What are your thoughts on the Conn 112? Decent horn? Fair price? It has been a couple of decades since I've looked for a new horn, so I really am out of the loop on brands, especially for professional models. I would be playing a mix of classical and jazz with this horn, probably more classical. Any alternative suggestions? Thank you!

[BGuttman]

Decent horn, but that is a bit steep.

Look on our Classifieds. We have lots of bass trombones coming up for sale and you should be able to get something like the 112H for about half what you quoted. If I were buying a new Conn I'd look for a 62HI (independent) or 62H (dependent).

Other suggestions (mostly used):
Bach 50B3 (independent) or 50B2 (dependent)
Benge 290
(lots of other Conn models)
Getzen 3062 or 1062 (both dependent) or 1052 (independent)
Holton TR-180 (dependent)
King 7B, Duo Gravis (6B - dependent)
Yamaha 612, 613, 620, 630 (note: YBL, not YSL)

[Burgerbob]

The 112H is an ok horn. That price, though, is about $2000 over what it would go for in decent shape (maybe $1700 over in good shape). Definitely don't pay that much.

There are better horns out there for much less.

[Elow]

For that price, you could get a shires Q series. Which, some people may disagree, i think is a much better horn.

[Bach5G]

$3500 for a new-ish 112 near new condition from a retail store (if that’s the story) isn’t totally out of line. I saw a store asking $3960 for a new one. (MSRP was much higher). Actually being able to hold and play it before buying is worth something.

[Burgerbob]

Actually being able to hold and play it before buying is worth something.

Not $1700, though.

[Bach5G]

Actually being able to hold and play it before buying is worth something.

Not $1700, though.

That’s up to the OP to decide for himself.

[etbone]

There's really nice 62HI, in the classifies.

[deanmccarty]

I had one of the first 112Hs that came out in the early 80’s... I played it for about 9 years. It was a good horn. I’ve tried the newer design (it is very different from the instrument I had)... it’s just ok. For the price point you are looking at I would buy a Getzen 1052FDR... that is a fantastic instrument right at the same price. According to the Dillon website they have one in stock. I guarantee this this a much better instrument. It is along the same category as a Conn 62H, but about $1500 less.

[mahlertwo]

Hi everyone, I'm just finally making it over here from the old trombone forums.

I am looking for a bass trombone. I have played trombone for 25 years, but I've never had a bass trombone or played one much. I am looking for any recommendations, but so far the one I have encountered is at my local music shop. It is a Conn 112, independent rotors, .562 bore, 10" Rose Brass bell. This horn is new, and I'd like your thoughts. They are only asking $3500, which I feel is a deal, although I think I may be able to get a better horn for less if I hunt a bit.

My Tenor is a Conn 88H with an F attachment, a Lindberg valve, and a Silver Bell. I have had the horn for 17 years, and while I like it and like Conn, I get the impression that the brand itself has gone downhill over the last couple of decades. The response on my current horn is not always the best.

What are your thoughts on the Conn 112? Decent horn? Fair price? It has been a couple of decades since I've looked for a new horn, so I really am out of the loop on brands, especially for professional models. I would be playing a mix of classical and jazz with this horn, probably more classical. Any alternative suggestions? Thank you!

I'm selling my bass right now, actually. Sent you an email.

[Cotboneman]

I've played a Getzen 1062FD for 22 years, and it's easily the best horn I've ever played. New they are not cheap, but I have seen them used at reasonable prices. The Conn 62H series is also a winner for me. I don't know if I would pay that much for a 112, but if it plays well and appeals to you it may be the right choice. You do need to check out other horns, which I know is tough right now in the age of Covid.

[MStarke]

I don't have too much comparison right now and have actually never played a new 112h.

But I really like my old 112h. Very responsive in all registers, also in the valve and pedal area and I really like the sound.
Handling and balance are not perfect, but also not a big issue.

[EOlson9]

I looked at a 112H when I ended up with my 62H. Wasn't a fan, just felt incredibly "woof" sounding without any real core to the sound. The 62H just blew better and had a sizzle to it.