1924 Conn 28B Concert Grand Bb trumpet SOLD

1924 Conn 28B Concert Grand Bb trumpet 

SOLD

The 28B Concert Grand was one of Conn's iconic models of the 1920's.  It was made from 1921 to 1932.   This 28B is not to be confused with the later 28B  Connstellation introduced in 1949.   While this was one of Conn's premiere models, there were probably not a lot of them made and they don't come up for sale very often.

The Concert Grand  was one of the few Conn models of this era that did not have the #1 Bore size (.438) or #1 1/2 Bore size.  It has the uncommon #2 1/2 Bore size of .485, which sounds huge, but just as some #1 Bore Conns of this era don't seem small, this #2 1/2 Bore horn is well constructed so that the larger bore doesn't make this horn impossible to play.  You can definitely tell the difference, but it is an excellent player.  

This particular trumpet came with extra engraving which is in very good condition.  The engraving on the bell extends the full length of the bell tube all the way to the bell crook.  This trumpet also has engraving inside the bell flare, which is extremely rare and is an indication that this trumpet came with every option and extra that Conn offered at the time.  The copper valve casings were only used by Conn for a brief period of time and this adds to the beauty of this instrument.  This trumpet was restored in the past with valves replated by Anderson Plating and lacquer refinishing by Tom Green in Elkhart Indiana.

The serial number was worn on the valve casing, so a small "plaque" was added with the serial number during the restoration.   The serial number is also stamped on each of the valve piston spring barrels.

While mostly original, the leadpipe is a replica of the original.  A finger hook and third slide stop have been added for functionality.

Here is what Conn said about this model:

This trumpet has the largest bore of any of our trumpets and heavy gauge brass is used in its construction. It is especially designed for those "heavy" players who have been accustomed to "filling" a large bore and who desire an unusually big, powerful trumpet tone.

The richness and magnificence of its tone is really unusual and while the bore is large, it has a satisfactory resistance which just suits the "heavy" player. Its scale is even and flexible and for a trumpet of this size and bore, it is played with surprisingly little effort.

Many of these trumpets are being used in the larger symphonies and in military bands.

This 100 -year old trumpet is an excellent player and is obviously a collector quality instrument.