A Real CONNundrum - 30's Conn 24H v/s 60's Conn 24H

[Trav1s]

Several years ago I picked up a sweet playing '37 24H and fell in love with the Conn .485" horns. It plays sweet and smooth or will bark with the best of them. Most recently I used as part of a Chicago/Blues Brother/Van Morrison tribute band and it was a blast.

Great horn and yet, as one who has always found the 50's and 60's Conns a natural home, I have been curious about the 50's and 60's horns. Last summer a beautiful, later 60's 24H showed up at thebrass-exhange. I could not justify the price.
Plus timing was off as I was relocating and dealing with the move. It seemed fate stepped in and I scored a '61 from Greenbean. it arrived today and is just what I was hoping for and just as he stated.

So I'm sharing my impressions here for those are curious about the differences between them. I spend some more time with them both and post up later. First impression of the '61 - everything I love about my 79H (and recently acquired '57 6H) in a smaller horn. Or as Greenbeen aptly stated, "It's like playing a small 6H."

[Trav1s]

Ok... first impressions.

Slide - The '37 has a much heavier slide. The hand grips are a larger diameter and it just feels like more in my hands. This is no surprise as the '61 has a lightweight slide without oversleves. I can't say range or response is that much different but the light slide is easier to quick passages. Which is better? For me boils down to preference.

Bell - The '37 feels heavier - not sure if it is the counterweight, braces, or bell thickness but it has more mass to it. The '61 is lighter as a whole. As one that likes the lighter bell, I'm especially liking the '61 bell section.

Overall - The '37 seems to speak better in the low range but I think that is more about my comfort with it. The '61 just does not feel as free low on the staff. Upper ranges are similar but the '37 will take more air and holds together more readily when pushed.

None of this is a surprise to me. What Is appealing to me about the '61 is that it reminds me of my 79H in feel and response. Whatever it is, the magic of the 50's and 60's Conns just work for me.