Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/24/2006

Question
I have a Conn Connstellation #C888XX and I'm not sure if it's a 36B or a 38B. Bell size is 4 5/8 with a slide trigger. Nickel plated w/ Brass trim. Lacquered brass valve caps and red felt. 19 inches from end to end without the mouthpiece in. It says C.G Conn LTD. Connstellation, Elkhart, U.S.A. on it. Would this be a 1964 and a 36b or 38b or am I way off? Thank you for your time. Lori

Answer
Hi Lori,

You are at least close.

It sounds to me like you probably have a 1963 36B.

That serial number on my lists would appear to be 1963.  

And, assuming it is either a 36B or a 38B, then since you didn't mention and slide stops on the 1st and 3rd valve slides, I'm guessing it doesn't have them, which I don't believe were on the early 36s.  And, the 36 had the 4 5/8 in bell.  Also the bracing on the 36 is supposed to be lighter than that on the 38, but I don't know that I could tell the difference there without having both of them in front of me.

Both of those models were in production in the 60's.