Posted by Rob Perelli-Minetti on February 10, 2000 at 11:48:21:
In Reply to: Comm 2X-J's posted by Phil on February 10, 2000 at 09:08:05:
I thought I posted this earlier, but it is not showing up:
Assume you mean "Conn", not "Comm".
The following is based on Conn catalogs and observation, with some 'assumed' model numbers based on logical inference (indicated with a ? after the model number:
Tubas:
20J -- 3 valves, top action, recording bell --- the most common of these horns
21J -- 3 valves, top action, upright bell ---- shown in catalogs, I've seen some
22J -- 3 valves, front action, recording bell -- I have seen a few (in 1938 catalog also)
23J? - 3 valves, front action, upright bell -- inferred number, haven't seen one
24J -- 4 valves, top action, recording bell -- the most common 4 valve version
25J -- 4 valves, top action, upright bell -- I have seen some, are in catalogs
26J? - 4 valves, front action, recording bell -- I have seen one, model # inferred
27J? - 4 valves, front action, upright bell -- inferred #, haven't seen one.
Note, there was a also a 26J 4 valve, front action recording bell tuba in the pre 20 series era (late 20's early 30's) without the short action valves but otherwise looking a whole lot like a 20 series front action horn.
Sousaphones:
20K -- 3 valves -- forward bell sousaphone, most common of all the 20 series Conns, the only one still made
21K -- 3 valves -- upright bell sousaphone. Listed in catalogs (e.g. 1957), never saw one
22K -- 3 valves -- forward bell. I have seen references to them, as perhaps lightweight versions of 20K, but with short action valves. I have never seen one.
24K? - 4 valves -- forward bell. I have seen one in the wild (my high school in the '60s) but did not check the model #, not shown to my knowledge in any catalogs
25K? - 4 valves -- upright bell. Never seen, inferred #
Others with better information may be able to flesh this list out or correct any errors.
There was a 1938 Conn catalog on e-bay a year or so ago which I did not win which listed some of these horns and may clear up questions.
Rob