Valve Trombone Options

[Geordie]

Have a chance to buy either a mid-1970s Conn Victor or late 1940s King 2B. Both in reasonable condition. I’m doing a range of stuff so looking for a flexible horn. Currently using Olds and Kings.
Any observations or recommendations on these two horns?

[Neo Bri]

Many 2Bs (the slide version) play pretty tight already. Adding the valve part tends to tighten things up even more. So bear that in mind.

I have no info on the Conn.

[Geordie]

Thanks. Not sure what you mean by ‘tight’. Is that what might be called ‘stuffy’?

[Neo Bri]

Thanks. Not sure what you mean by ‘tight’. Is that what might be called ‘stuffy’?

Yup.

[BGuttman]

If you already have an Olds valve trombone, just use that. They are really great. And less "stuffy" than either the King or the Conn.

[Geordie]

Bruce unfortunately I don’t have and Olds valve trombone. I have two Olds slide ‘bones and love them. Feel like trying a valve ‘bone. Sadly I cannot locate an Olds valve trombone. That’s why I am weighing up the King and Conn options.

[jej]

There's one on the New Haven, CT, Craigslist: https://newhaven.craigslist.org/msg/d/v ... 28237.html

[BGuttman]

Given a choice between a King 2B Valve and a Conn valve, I'll take the Conn.

[Geordie]

Am leaning towards the Conn. will go check it out shortly. Any advice on what to look for in choosing a used valve trombone?

[Reedman1]

Am leaning towards the Conn. will go check it out shortly. Any advice on what to look for in choosing a used valve trombone?

Valves that don't wiggle in their casings. Good neck tenon. Then all the rest of the stuff (dents, dings, scratches, damaged finish, etc.) See if you like - or at least can tolerate - the blow. Can you manage intonation? Things like that.

[Geordie]

Thanks. - good points.

[dukesboneman]

I have a 2B valve trombone and love it.
To really make it "work" for me I had use a deeper mouthpiece

[greenbean]

I know the Conns are often recommended (on TTF), but the one I owned briefly was quite stuffy. The King 3B's have played much better for me.

[Geordie]

A 3B was what I wanted, but could not locate one at a sensible price.

[Davidus1]

If you already have an Olds valve trombone, just use that. They are really great. And less "stuffy" than either the King or the Conn.

Definitely agree about Olds being great valve bones. So many of the available options out there are puny bore with a small stuffed sound. Getting an open blow is an advantage offered by the Olds. Best wishes in your search!

[Geordie]

I own two Olds horns and love them - Recording and Super. I think the chances of finding a reasonably priced valve Olds here in England are very slim, sadly. But if anyone out there reads this .....

[Davidus1]

I have not played on the Yamaha 354 Valve Bone. I own a 354 slide bone and love it. It is a great horn. I can't believe how cheaply these can be found. I would be curious how the valve bone plays. Its a .500 bore as is the slide counterpart.

[Geordie]

So, I play tested the King 2B and the Conn. Neither of them would win any beauty contests. However, both were in good playing condition. Beforehand I was leaning to the Conn, partly because of the bore size but also comments here and elsewhere seemed to rate them.
In the end after playing them, and hearing them played, the 2B was what I opted for. Easy blowing with a surprisingly big sound but with good responsiveness and. the sort of cutting crispness I prefer. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, much appreciated. Might gig it in a couple of weeks on a small stage where slide space is at a premium.