TromboneChat

Picked up this horn, can’t figure out the model number. Similar wrap to a Conn 50H but the other details don’t match. Bell says “Director” and the bell is only 8”. No specific model # on the lead pipe or elsewhere, though there are several two-digit #s engraved on the horn in various places. Seller thought it was 25 years old or so but who knows. Thoughts?

Sure looks like a 50H Director. Especially if it says "Director" on the bell.

Markings on Abilene era horns can be confusing. I had a Director tenor that bore only the number A215 (or something like that).

I've seen a few 50H horns with 8" bells.

Interesting. There's a warranty card in the case with the correct serial #, and it has the Elkhart address, not Abilene. No idea whether that's significant. The warranty card has some #s on the bottom (MGA-30M-06/86), leading me maybe to think it was manufactured around 1986, which would probably match up with what the seller said (he said his wife had it in high school in the 90s). But I thought the 50H stopped being produced in the 70s? It would be cool if it was a 50H for sure.

Having looked at a lot of old threads, I'm starting to agree that it's a 50H. Thanks Bruce!

It's a late manufactured 50H after they added the tuning slide brace.

Really nice looking horn. How's it play?

Actually plays very well! I don’t really need another horn at the moment, much less a smaller bore tenor. I’ll probably throw it up for sale soon - if anyone’s interested, send me a note, I’ll make someone a good deal on it.