MFMeow

Let us know how it turns out! I also have a 1939 12B (currently my very favorite horn). Mine had almost no lacquer left on the bell when I got it, so I very carefully and gently removed the last 20% and it's "raw Coprion" now. However, I don't intend to relacquer - just let it acquire a nice, aged patina over time. I love copper bells, but a 12B was just not meant to be quite so "pink"... at least IMHO.

Kirsten

screamingmorris

One that is in terrible condition with destroyed bell sold for $152
eBay: Vintage Conn 1930's 12B Coprion Trumpet in case (item 140123602730 end time Jun-05-07 15:10:33 PDT)

One that is in poor condition sold for $191
eBay: 1930s Conn Coprian Bell 12B Trumpet 12 B (item 110128130627 end time May-23-07 19:33:29 PDT)

So imagine how much yours in already good shape is worth, then how much it will be worth after it is restored.
At *least* $300 now, at *least* $500 then?

- morris

jaydarling

Some of my friends, who admittedly are NOT musicians, have questioned my sanity over spending several hundred dollars to get the horn in shape. I have told them to consider the Master Card commercial. Cost of getting the horn buffed up: $300; Cost of flying back to Florida to give it to him: $400; The llok on his FACE when he sees it again after 35 years... PRICELESS!!!
I will post some before and after pix here in a few days. The horn is getting 'estimated' for refinishing right now.
Have a great weekend all you SCREAMERS!!! and all you plain ol' trumpeters.
OMTAAMB is AWESOME!!!!
Jay

connloyalist

Just one more thing: Flying with a musical instrument these days is a hit or miss affair. You don't want to put it in the hold because who knows how battered it will come out. But they might not allow you to carry it on.

Regards, Christine

__________________
Main instrument: 1948 22B New York Symphony
Member of the Elkhart-Conn 22B Fan Club

screamingmorris

"This is CNN reporter Clyde Leadbetter reporting on today's hijacking.
Witnesses claim that the hijacker rushed at the cockpit door brandishing a Conn 16B Director..."

- morris

coop8va

Hey screaminmorris,
I bought the 12B for $152 with the bad bell. Actually except for the end of the bell the rest of the horn looks really good for 1941. I have a copper director bell that will replace it until I can find a 12B bell unless it plays ok, maybe I'll leave it.

The 12B's play great.

Nick

screamingmorris

That was a *gorgeous* trumpet except for the destruction in the bell.
When I see things like that, I wonder what the story is behind it.
"I was waking through the park with the trumpet in my hand when a mugger with a machete attempted to decapitate my trumpet..."
I wish I could play a trumpet like yours just *once* so that I could finally find out what a Coprion bell feels like and sounds like.

- morris

coop8va

I'm hoping the Director bell is not too different than the original bell. I'm not sure what the original story was but I think there was some anger involved. It looks like they put it in a canopener.


Christine,
Do you know if there is a big difference from the coprion bell from a 1941 12B and a 1950's copper bell from a director? Thanks.

Nick

connloyalist

I have never seen a 1950's 18B Director, but I do own a 1964 15B Director (brass bell, slightly different model). The bell size is the same, but I suspect the bell on the 12B/22B is a bit tighter than on the Director. Not sure though.

Regards, Christine

__________________
Main instrument: 1948 22B New York Symphony
Member of the Elkhart-Conn 22B Fan Club