TromboneChat

Hello
I'm beginning the trombone and I'm really happy to discover this wonderful community! What a wonderful instrument.
I've just bought a Conn Trombone Artist Symphony. The serial number is 513190.
Will somebody can help me to know the year and the model of my instrument?
Thanks and see you
Lucien

If it's labeled "Artist Symphony" it has to be after the move to Abilene TX in 1972.

Conn had several different serial systems, including a letter and 5 numbers (continuing the series from Elkhart), then two letters and 6 numbers, and a few others I don't remember. I believe they went back to 6 digits some time toward the end of the 20th Century (1990 or so). I hope somebody can specify better than I can.

Thanks so much for your reply!
There is the photos of my trombone. If somebody could help me....
Thanks, Lucien

It is an 8H.

I had one of a similar vintage, purchased new in 1987. It was a great horn!! I really regret selling it.

Wouah. Thanks Matthew!
What details tell you that is a 8H?
Lucien

There is other photos

Lululacagette wrote: ↑Thu Dec 22, 2022 11:44 pm Wouah. Thanks Matthew!
What details tell you that is a 8H?
Lucien

Because that's the only trombone (except perhaps 88H) that Conn labeled "Artist Symphony."

These trombones are justifiably treasured by some players.
Hope you enjoy yours, Lucien.

Posaunus wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 9:21 am

Lululacagette wrote: ↑Thu Dec 22, 2022 11:44 pm Wouah. Thanks Matthew!
What details tell you that is a 8H?
Lucien

Because that's the only trombone (except perhaps 88H) that Conn labeled "Artist Symphony."

These trombones are justifiably treasured by some players.
Hope you enjoy yours, Lucien.

The 71H bass trombone was also labeled "Artist Symphony" at this point in time. I played one with that stamping. (Did the 73H survive long enough for this stamp as well?)

I imagine the 83H (not common, an independent bass trombone) was also labeled as such.

Yeah! You rock! I just discover this practicing my trombone! Thanks!

But which year if the serial number is 513190?

Lululacagette wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 4:57 am There is other photos

Lucien,
Are you left-handed?

Yeah... And I'm playing the violin right handed. But now, I've got the choice for the trombone. Is it a problem?

Lululacagette wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 12:14 pm Yeah [I'm left-handed} ... And I'm playing the violin right handed. But now, I've got the choice for the trombone.
Is it a problem?

Not really a problem. Trombone is one of the few (?) wind instruments that's "ambidextrous."
It does mean that the water valve is "upside down" so it's a little trickier to empty the condensation in your slide.

So, good! And my left hand on violin is for intonation. Like the trombone!
Could you help me ton know witch year is my treasure if the serial number is 513190?
Thanks!!!

I started playing left-handed. Wasn't a problem in the 60s as most of us played straight horns. About ten years ago I finally got a Bb / F horn. I spent several months feeling awkward until I developed a reasonable right-handed muscle memory. I play mostly a trigger horn but when I play straight it's left-handed.

Posaunus wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 9:21 am The 71H bass trombone was also labeled "Artist Symphony" at this point in time. I played one with that stamping. (Did the 73H survive long enough for this stamp as well?)

I imagine the 83H (not common, an independent bass trombone) was also labeled as such.

I have an “Artist Symphony” 73H, so they do exist.

Lululacagette wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 1:45 pm
Could you help me ton know witch year is my treasure if the serial number is 513190?

1955

I really doubt the slide is that old. Really odd for a slide from the 50's to end up with a bell from the 80's.

The Abilene years were a period in Conn history where there really aren't reliable serial number lists.

1955 would put it in Elkhart. It would not have been labeled "Artist Symphony" at that time.

I would put it after the UMI consolidation. The UMI years had serials like GC xxxxxx where one of the letters indicated decade, one was month, one digit was the year in the decade, one had a number signifying trombone, and other numbers. Somebody has published a description of this serial number on here somewhere.

Some time after the Conn-Selmer period they went to 6 digit serial numbers with a 2 digit prefix. Add 50 to the prefix to get the year. I have no idea where they are with those serial numbers; maybe somebody with a relatively new Conn trombone can give a year and a number or the like.