FS: Conn 38H "One of a Kind"
Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2017 6:53 am
For sale is a Conn 38H built in 1928. This particular 38H is unlike any you've ever seen or played. This horn has tuning in the bell versus tuning in the slide. All characteristics about this unique 38H indicate this was probably a prototype built by Conn's Dean of Experimental Engineering, Jake Burkle.
I am the second owner of this particular trombone post-auction sale by Mike Corrigan at B.A.C.. The following is what was noted in the original auction posting on Ebay by Mike Corrigan:
This horn is extraordinarily rare, and I have never seen another instrument from the same time period produced by the Conn like this. As a maker of trombones myself, I can only say that this instrument is simply inspiring. Read the full description to understand the gravity of the craftsmanship of this horn, and the unique qualities!! As a result the instrument plays exceptionally well! This instruments is in really exceptional condition for its age. There are no signs of the instrument ever being damaged or repaired. The bell, neckpipe, tuning slide, and hand slide crooks are all in impressive condition. The condition of the engraving is superb.You will see there is minor lacquer wear given its age. How does it play? This horn is actually a pretty exciting horn to play. It is very responsive, and has an incredibly unique presence of sound. The horn resonates very well and is very flexible. Wed characterize it as compact however it is still very nimble, and easy to manipulate.
The 38H is considered a Ballroom Model. In the 1920's there was a craftsperson by the name of Jake Burkle who was considered the Dean of the Experimental Engineers. Jake was known widely as the creator of the model 30H, and 32H trombone. (Produced from 1934-49) The Burkle Model horns were known to have been Jakes pride and joy, and incorporated innovative tapers throughout the entire instrument and bell section. They were also tuning in the bell horns like the 38H being offered here. Jake also introduced some other revolutionary concepts and unique methods of manufacturing the Burkel Model 30H and 32H Trombones. I would propose that the horn being offered here, because of its very unique features may very well be a hand created proto-type that was built by Jake. This instrument may very well have been one of the stepping stones toward the creation of the Burkle model horns. And in and of itself, is a truly superb piece of equipment.
So what makes this instrument so unique?? The way it was made!! In the catalogs, and information we have available, the 38H should have been a (.485) tuning in the hand slide instrument. As you can clearly see here, this instrument is not. It is a tuning in the bell. After incredibly close examination of this instrument, we propose that this was in fact a factory build, and not modified after it was originally crafted. An excessive amount of components on this instrument are entirely made from seamed tubing!! This is absolutely incredible!! The bell is a two piece bell with a seamed flare, which is not typical either. (While it was offered on other models, it certainly is unique.) The neck pipe and tuning slide are also made from seamed tubing. Whats more, the tuning slide outer tuning slide legs (or outside tubes) are also seamed!! You will notice the large leg on the tuning slide (or bell top tube) is tapered. This allows a smoother transition from the slide through the neck pipe and tuning slide into the bell. The hand slide sleeves are ALSO seamed tubing. Now, this is simply curious. Im not sure why one would go that far with seamed tubing, if for no other reason just why not? It is very hard to tell because of the lacquer, and the fact that there is a large guard on the hand slide crook, but we speculate that the crook on the hand slide may also be seamed. This instrument has a (.485) bore which was one of the more popular sizes at the time, and is still the preference for a lot of musicians today. (This is closest in size to a King 2B to todays standards). The bell diameter is 7. The bell, tuning slide crook and neck pipe are all made from a high copper content bronze. The bell is a higher copper content then the tuning slide and neckpipe. (We tested the material on an Ultraviolet X-Ray scanner to confirm this) The hand slide and hand slide crook are both yellow brass. (End Quote) The previous owner was the winner of the original auction. He had the inner slide tubes replaced and the leadpipe pulled and fitted with a press-ring fit.
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQKSuLYuBdA
If you are looking for an incredibly rare horn to add to your collection, this is the axe!! It is quite possible this instrument was an important piece of the developmental puzzle for Burkle to design his popular 30H and 32H. Perhaps, not? It is so hard to say. We can say however that this instrument was expertly crafted by some of the finest craftspeople of all time.
So, why am I selling? Because I haven't played this horn in almost a year. This is a beautiful horn that deserves to be played versus sit in a closet.
Price is $1150 USD with shipping included in the United States, payment by Paypal. International buyers welcome. Shipping cost will need to be calculated before final sale price. PM me with questions or interests. Thanks!
Dropbox photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kdqf82c59az7yat/AACv2Cq1EAzqC2xbDcfp4EROa?dl=0
I am the second owner of this particular trombone post-auction sale by Mike Corrigan at B.A.C.. The following is what was noted in the original auction posting on Ebay by Mike Corrigan:
This horn is extraordinarily rare, and I have never seen another instrument from the same time period produced by the Conn like this. As a maker of trombones myself, I can only say that this instrument is simply inspiring. Read the full description to understand the gravity of the craftsmanship of this horn, and the unique qualities!! As a result the instrument plays exceptionally well! This instruments is in really exceptional condition for its age. There are no signs of the instrument ever being damaged or repaired. The bell, neckpipe, tuning slide, and hand slide crooks are all in impressive condition. The condition of the engraving is superb.You will see there is minor lacquer wear given its age. How does it play? This horn is actually a pretty exciting horn to play. It is very responsive, and has an incredibly unique presence of sound. The horn resonates very well and is very flexible. Wed characterize it as compact however it is still very nimble, and easy to manipulate.
The 38H is considered a Ballroom Model. In the 1920's there was a craftsperson by the name of Jake Burkle who was considered the Dean of the Experimental Engineers. Jake was known widely as the creator of the model 30H, and 32H trombone. (Produced from 1934-49) The Burkle Model horns were known to have been Jakes pride and joy, and incorporated innovative tapers throughout the entire instrument and bell section. They were also tuning in the bell horns like the 38H being offered here. Jake also introduced some other revolutionary concepts and unique methods of manufacturing the Burkel Model 30H and 32H Trombones. I would propose that the horn being offered here, because of its very unique features may very well be a hand created proto-type that was built by Jake. This instrument may very well have been one of the stepping stones toward the creation of the Burkle model horns. And in and of itself, is a truly superb piece of equipment.
So what makes this instrument so unique?? The way it was made!! In the catalogs, and information we have available, the 38H should have been a (.485) tuning in the hand slide instrument. As you can clearly see here, this instrument is not. It is a tuning in the bell. After incredibly close examination of this instrument, we propose that this was in fact a factory build, and not modified after it was originally crafted. An excessive amount of components on this instrument are entirely made from seamed tubing!! This is absolutely incredible!! The bell is a two piece bell with a seamed flare, which is not typical either. (While it was offered on other models, it certainly is unique.) The neck pipe and tuning slide are also made from seamed tubing. Whats more, the tuning slide outer tuning slide legs (or outside tubes) are also seamed!! You will notice the large leg on the tuning slide (or bell top tube) is tapered. This allows a smoother transition from the slide through the neck pipe and tuning slide into the bell. The hand slide sleeves are ALSO seamed tubing. Now, this is simply curious. Im not sure why one would go that far with seamed tubing, if for no other reason just why not? It is very hard to tell because of the lacquer, and the fact that there is a large guard on the hand slide crook, but we speculate that the crook on the hand slide may also be seamed. This instrument has a (.485) bore which was one of the more popular sizes at the time, and is still the preference for a lot of musicians today. (This is closest in size to a King 2B to todays standards). The bell diameter is 7. The bell, tuning slide crook and neck pipe are all made from a high copper content bronze. The bell is a higher copper content then the tuning slide and neckpipe. (We tested the material on an Ultraviolet X-Ray scanner to confirm this) The hand slide and hand slide crook are both yellow brass. (End Quote) The previous owner was the winner of the original auction. He had the inner slide tubes replaced and the leadpipe pulled and fitted with a press-ring fit.
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQKSuLYuBdA
If you are looking for an incredibly rare horn to add to your collection, this is the axe!! It is quite possible this instrument was an important piece of the developmental puzzle for Burkle to design his popular 30H and 32H. Perhaps, not? It is so hard to say. We can say however that this instrument was expertly crafted by some of the finest craftspeople of all time.
So, why am I selling? Because I haven't played this horn in almost a year. This is a beautiful horn that deserves to be played versus sit in a closet.
Price is $1150 USD with shipping included in the United States, payment by Paypal. International buyers welcome. Shipping cost will need to be calculated before final sale price. PM me with questions or interests. Thanks!
Dropbox photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kdqf82c59az7yat/AACv2Cq1EAzqC2xbDcfp4EROa?dl=0