Antique Musical Instruments/Very Old Conn Coronet

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Expert: - 11/11/2008


Question

Conn Coronet
I came upon an old Conn Coronet made of Brass with intricate flower designs etched on the bell. It has "made by G.G. Conn Elkhart Ind" etched on bell also. On 2nd valve is stamped M above serial number 136855.  Each valve also has the following number etched on the valve itself (136855). There are also 4 extra slides, a brass mute, 2 mouthpieces and a lyre included. I am an old trumpet player and I put my trusty Bach mouthpiece and played a few tunes. It sounded great. What can you tell me about this coronet?

Answer
It goes back to 1914 back before the time that Conn assigned model numbers to his instruments.  And, it was obviously designed to play in several keys.  Bb and A most likely.  And possibly high/low pitch and possibly C as well.  Sometimes those tuning slides with the rotor in them were sold as an 'after-market'.  I've not seen any old Conns having one new, but it is possible.  I've not seen their every model. It also looks more like the Wonder models than many of their other models,but I can't say for certain that is what it is.  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for your prompt and detailed answer. As an old trumpet player, I guessed it was possible to play in a few different keys. But had never seen such an instrument before.


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Kenton Scott

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Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

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I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

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B.S. Ed, M.S.

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