Posted by 56j componants on January 23, 2003 at 13:13:08:
In Reply to: Re: 56j design flaws posted by ? on January 23, 2003 at 11:23:34:
The 1970-80s vintage Conn CC tubas(2j)were smaller in bore, branches and bell size. There are quite of few of them in circulation still, and they are nice playing instruments although a bit small for many applications. The 56j appears to be mostly a cut down King 2340 in its valves and branches. The bell is very much like the York, King and Holton "monster" Eb bells from the early 20th century. The frist three valves have a .689" bore, common to the 2340, onto which a Conn .734" 4th valve was grafted. The valve graft is a relatively simple process, since the .734" tube slips pretty easily over the .689" from the third valve. I think it's a very elegant, "parts is parts", highly functioning instrument. Matt deserves a lot of credit and all of our thanks for his artistry in fashioning it beautifully within the parameters handed to him.