TrumpetMaster - View Single Post - Conn Vintage 1 vs. Conn CONNstellation vs. B&S challenger II: Which is better?

gglassmeyer · 12-04-2007, 11:20 AM

I chose the Vintage 1 (1BR-46 Laquered Rose brass bell #46 leadpipe) over a very nice Bach 180-37 that I liked a lot. Initially I favored the Bach, but then I switched out the "D" shaped tuning slide for the rounded slide on the Conn and that made the difference to me. Loosing the resistance in the tuning slide gives the horn a much more open feel. I don't really play around with the valve weighting system. I removed the standard bottom caps and put the 1st set of weighted caps on. Adding additional weight to these didn't do anything for me, but others have different setups. The only time I'd want the original caps would be if I wanted a more light weight horn feel, which I don't care about since I have a lightweight Yamaha horn in my case.
A few of my Bach playing friends have ordered rounded slides for their Bachs and been glad they did. The Conn comes with the slide option standard.

One thing I will say is that when I was at the store trying out horns, the first V1 that they had there had an issue with the mouthpiece receiver. My mouthpiece, Schilke 15C4, wouldn't seat properly as it was hitting the leader pipe. My trumpet that I purchased had a defect with the small section of the 3rd valve slide (used to empty accumulated condensation a.k.a "spit") where it fit way too snug. I didn't realize this until after I got it home and started to clean it. It wasn't a big deal to fix, but leads me to believe quality control isn't that great.
Bottom line is don't buy a vintage one unless you've played it and examined it. That said I love the sound and even after 2 years, I still love the thing.
I did play test a B&S Challenger II once, but not side by side with the Conn. I wasn't disappointed with the horn at all. I played wery well, good intonation, and seemed very well made.
I did play the Connstellation a few years ago, but for me too bright sounding. Would be great on a football field for marching band or if your soloing and don't need to blend with a section.

Good luck in your quest. You may want to combine a vacation with a trumpet safari. I you're already planning to vacation somewhere that's likely to have a better selection why not spend a day shopping for horns.

12-04-2007, 11:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
gglassmeyer Pianissimo User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Brand: Conn, Yamaha Posts: 150	Re: Conn Vintage 1 vs. Conn CONNstellation vs. B&S challenger II: Which is better? I chose the Vintage 1 (1BR-46 Laquered Rose brass bell #46 leadpipe) over a very nice Bach 180-37 that I liked a lot. Initially I favored the Bach, but then I switched out the "D" shaped tuning slide for the rounded slide on the Conn and that made the difference to me. Loosing the resistance in the tuning slide gives the horn a much more open feel. I don't really play around with the valve weighting system. I removed the standard bottom caps and put the 1st set of weighted caps on. Adding additional weight to these didn't do anything for me, but others have different setups. The only time I'd want the original caps would be if I wanted a more light weight horn feel, which I don't care about since I have a lightweight Yamaha horn in my case. A few of my Bach playing friends have ordered rounded slides for their Bachs and been glad they did. The Conn comes with the slide option standard. One thing I will say is that when I was at the store trying out horns, the first V1 that they had there had an issue with the mouthpiece receiver. My mouthpiece, Schilke 15C4, wouldn't seat properly as it was hitting the leader pipe. My trumpet that I purchased had a defect with the small section of the 3rd valve slide (used to empty accumulated condensation a.k.a "spit") where it fit way too snug. I didn't realize this until after I got it home and started to clean it. It wasn't a big deal to fix, but leads me to believe quality control isn't that great. Bottom line is don't buy a vintage one unless you've played it and examined it. That said I love the sound and even after 2 years, I still love the thing. I did play test a B&S Challenger II once, but not side by side with the Conn. I wasn't disappointed with the horn at all. I played wery well, good intonation, and seemed very well made. I did play the Connstellation a few years ago, but for me too bright sounding. Would be great on a football field for marching band or if your soloing and don't need to blend with a section. Good luck in your quest. You may want to combine a vacation with a trumpet safari. I you're already planning to vacation somewhere that's likely to have a better selection why not spend a day shopping for horns.
	__________________ Greg Glassmeyer