72H vs 71H

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bigbandbone
Posts: 586
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:45 am

72H vs 71H

Post by bigbandbone »

Between the 72H and the 71H Conn bass bones, which in your opinion is the better choice for big band work and why?
Looking for a 2nd horn. Can't decide if I should find another 72H or peruse a 71H. I've never had the opportunity to play a 71H.
Thanks in advance for your opinions and insights.
Thrawn22
Posts: 1281
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:18 pm

Re: 72H vs 71H

Post by Thrawn22 »

They're pretty much the same. Their design, aside from the wraps, are virtually identical. I was told part of the sound or tone quality that is produced is from the crook and the bell taper. The only real difference between the 2 may be bell thickness. In My experience the early Elkhart 72Hs, and most larger bore Conns, had a slightly thinner bell than the later Elkhart and Texas Conn large bores, including the 71H. Leadpipes play a part in this as well. However, with all of that being said, i haven't had any complaints about how my 71H sounds in orchestra or bigband playing. And playing between a 72H and a 71H on day, i was told the 72H had a darker sound. So in the end how you precieve the sound will have the greatest influence on how the horn will play.

Fwiw
6H (K series)
6H (early 60s)
4H/5H custom bell
78H ('53)
78H (K series)
78H/36BG /2547 slide
8H
88HN
71H (dependant valves)
72H
35H alto (K series)
bigbandbone
Posts: 586
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:45 am

Re: 72H vs 71H

Post by bigbandbone »

Thanks!
Lastbone
Posts: 50
Joined: Wed May 15, 2019 4:56 pm
Location: Galena IL

Re: 72H vs 71H

Post by Lastbone »

The 72H is easier to find than the 71H, and you can put a counterweight on it, which may be nice after two or three hours of playing in a big band. I've played a 73H for a very long time, and I'd recommend having the valve bored out on either horn.
They will both peel paint with a Shilke 60, and it is nice to have the longer slide.

Good luck!
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