TromboneChat

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.

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

https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=10666
https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=12396

Thanks!

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!