New Horn Day - Sort Of

[officermayo]

A few months ago I snagged a pretty beat up 48H Constellation for $100. Lots of dents and dings and a crushed tuning slide that matched the smashed slide crook. The case? Well it went straight to the dumpster as it wasn't a Connstellation tweed case and it was falling apart. I took the poor horn to my local repair tech. He wasn't positive he could rejuvenate it, but was willing to try.

Today (two months later) I picked up the horn and I'm totally amazed at the transformation. There are still scratches and some lacquer loss, but once I've saved up the dough I'll have it fully reconditioned back to a brand new appearance. Then again, with my OCD being what it is, I may just leave it as is. That way I won't be overly worried about getting that first ding.

I wish I'd thought to take a "before" photo so y'all could fully appreciate the magic my tech worked out.

[jonphilpott]

beautiful!

[Bach5G]

Very nice work.

[Posaunus]

The Conn 48H Connstellation is indeed a beautiful trombone, with its nickel-silver bell and trim.
The 48H that I've played is a pleasure, with more "presence" than the similar 6H.
But I find the 6H to be easier to play - warmer, gentler, and "sweeter."
I think they both have their place in a big band.

OfficerMayo, is this acquisition a chink in the armor of your Olds collection?
Enjoy your lovely new 48H!

[EriKon]

Curious, how does it play?

[officermayo]

OfficerMayo, is this acquisition a chink in the armor of your Olds collection?
Enjoy your lovely new 48H!

Nah. Just trying to replace the one my Dad got me in '74. Like an idiot I sold it when I was in my 20s and needed some fast cash.

[officermayo]

Curious, how does it play?

Speaks quite forcefully with little effort. I'm going to have to hold back a bit while using it. Also, I forgot how heavy they are compared to my Kings and Olds (or is that "Oldses"?).

[EriKon]

Curious, how does it play?

Speaks quite forcefully with little effort. I'm going to have to hold back a bit while using it. Also, I forgot how heavy they are compared to my Kings and Olds (or is that "Oldses"?).

Oldies?

[gbedinger]

You have my “new favorite hobby room”.

[officermayo]

You have my “new favorite hobby room”.

Thanks!
There's more to see.

[Digidog]

A few months ago I snagged a pretty beat up 48H Constellation for $100. Lots of dents and dings and a crushed tuning slide that matched the smashed slide crook. The case? Well it went straight to the dumpster as it wasn't a Connstellation tweed case and it was falling apart. I took the poor horn to my local repair tech. He wasn't positive he could rejuvenate it, but was willing to try.

Today (two months later) I picked up the horn and I'm totally amazed at the transformation. There are still scratches and some lacquer loss, but once I've saved up the dough I'll have it fully reconditioned back to a brand new appearance. Then again, with my OCD being what it is, I may just leave it as is. That way I won't be overly worried about getting that first ding.

I wish I'd thought to take a "before" photo so y'all could fully appreciate the magic my tech worked out.

Wow! Cool! Nice!

You have my “new favorite hobby room”.

Thanks!
There's more to see.

Wow! Cool! Nice!

[Posaunus]

You have my “new favorite hobby room”.

Thanks!
There's more to see.

Too bad we don't have basements in our area!

[officermayo]

Thanks!
There's more to see.

Too bad we don't have basements in our area!

Yes, we lucked out when buying this house 2 years ago.
The basement is just shy of 1000 sq ft and has AC and heat.
Took a long time to paint the ceiling black due to having to rush our move in.
With all my stuff already in the room, spray painting was out of the question. I ended up doing it all with a roller and a long pole. I had just had shoulder surgery before the move, so I had to just do a small piece at a time. Took six months to complete it, but I'm very happy with how it turned out.

[officermayo]

Had my first big band gig with the 48H last night. Two hours of nothing but Basie. Taking a ride on "Switch In Time".

[GACMoose]

I still love my 1967 48H. I stepped up from my Conn "Director" in Junior High either in '72 or '73. Must have been sitting on the shelf for a while since it was new. Still play it and never felt it was heavy. Of all the horns I've played, though, it has the lightest and smoothest slide I ever tried. My uncle also played one for years and I tried his after he passed away. Felt the same about his. I'm still trying to justify buying it from his son, but really, does that make any sense? On the other hand, it's a trombone, so does it really need to be justified?

[BGuttman]

Why not buy your uncle's trombone. Some day you will have an accident and need to put yours into repair and it's nice to have a backup.

[Posaunus]

Why not buy your uncle's trombone. Some day you will have an accident and need to put yours into repair and it's nice to have a backup.

And this would make GACMoose one of the few trombonists with two 48Hs in his stable!
(I have a 6H and a 48H - love them both - regularly alternate playing them in big band, jazz, and Dixie groups!)

[GACMoose]

I'm still considering my uncle's 48H...just one of those festering things!