1937 Conn 12B Coprion Bell Bb trumpet

1937 Conn 12B  Bb trumpet 

This is a Conn 12B Bb trumpet.  The 12B is very similar to the more common 22B model but with a Coprion bell.  The 12B is reported to have been  introduced in 1938 and made until 1955, but we have seen several examples like this particular trumpet that have serial numbers dating to 1937, so this is one of the first of this model made.   The 12B was the first model to feature the Coprion bell.  The Coprion bell improves projection and darkens the sound somewhat. 

    What Conn said in 1939: 

"Built in small bore, but the seamless bell of Coprion gives it the power you would expect only from larger bore. Ease of playing, beauty of tone, accuracy of scale and amazing flexibility. Impossible to overblow or crack a note. Patented Clickless Crysteel valves. Bb and A. Brass, heavily clear lacquered."

This particular 12B was acquired about 20 years ago and was one of the first trumpets that we had restored.  It has been played very little in that time and the lacquer looks new.   The trumpet is straight and shows no signs of damage, which is exceptional for a trumpet that is nearing 90 years old.  It has all original parts, including the main tuning slide stop rod.    Valve compression and action is excellent.  All slides move smoothly.

A few years ago, we located a case that matches the original for this era of Conn 12B.  The case is in very good condition.