Posted by Greg Crider on May 23, 2001 at 14:39:45:
In Reply to: Re: Why did Conn stop making 20Js posted by Lew on May 23, 2001 at 12:07:57:
If you've ever seen J-ville, you'll realize that there's no other horn that can get that sound when used en masse. The recording bells direct the sound to the front, same as the other brass, so upright bell tubas couldn't fit the bill. Even the big Conn Sousas can't get that depth of tone. Using those 20J's gives them the deepest, darkest, strongest sound of any tuba section around.
They're big horns, but they're not too hard to carry with a proper strap. Their orps style marching doesn't require too many sharp, violent moves from the tubas, so maneuverability is not too much of an issue.