Posted by Rob Perelli-Minetti on February 07, 2001 at 23:50:01:
In Reply to: Old BBflat Conn 4 valve posted by Mike H. on February 07, 2001 at 14:54:05:
Based on a reproduction mid-1920's Conn catalog, your instrument is probably the 34J New Wonder Orchestra Grand Bass. The description:
"The "Orchestra Grand" Bass, also known as the Jumbo mdel of the Conn Ltd. New Wonder Basses, is the larget practical upright model manufactured. It is use dprincipally in symphony orchestras and concert bands. It is not recommended for marching purposes, owing to its huge bulk. Its tonal quality can readily be imagined in comparison with that of the "Monster BB" Basses, as the bore is large in proposrion to that of the "Monster BB" as with the other dimensions. Its construction, however, is sucht tht it responds instantly to the slightest effort of the performer, and is conceded as beign a very free and easy blowing Bass."
"The "Orchestra Grand" is built with a front action only, as a top action on this model is not practicable. It is supplied with four valves, the fourth valve being used quite frequently in this modelin raid passages, substituting other valve combinations, principal of which are the first and third."
"It is built in BBb for fnd and generally in CC for orchestra. The standard pitch A-440 prevails, but it can be supplied by special orer in high pitch with low ptich tuning slide."
"For concer twork in a high classs concert organization, the "Orchestra Grand" excels.
The dimensions given are:
length 40 in.
width 21 in
weight 26lbs
Bell Diam. 23"
As Stauffer points out in A Treatise on the Tuba, the model numbers were 34J in BBb and 36J in CC.
HOWEVER, THERE CAN BE CONFUSION WITH THE OTHER 36J Bass. There was also by around 1930, a different instrument listed as the 36J: This was the "BBb De Luxe Recording Bass - 36J" This was a 4 valve, front action horn with an adjustable 26" recording bell. From the illustrations in the 1930ish flyer I have on "Conn New Wonder Sousaphones and Upright Basses" this 36J was essentially the Orchestra Grand BBb modified to take the larger recording bell -- a little like a reverse of the process whereby the King 2341 which now has removable bells is being back engineered into a fixed upright bell.