selmer53

Hello everyone!
This is my first time posting, so I'll get right to the point...
I am a beginner cornetist.
Would you suggest a 1960's Conn Director (coprion) or Reynolds Emperor of the same year range? Both horns are in "Excellent" condition.
I haven't the opportunity to actually play these, but I have tried a '60s Conn Director very briefly and immediately got a consistent sound out of it. This was interesting, considering that I haven't blown into a brass instrument since I played French Horn in junior high!
Any thoughts, suggestions or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!

djazz

I understand the appeal of the Coprion Director! I really like them.

They are very easy to play and generally have a beautiful tone. The only faults I find are that they often have mediocre compression and the upper register can be a bit tough. Don't let the smaller bore issue bother you. The smaller bore is part of the sweetness of the tone.

At the same time, I can tell you that Reynolds horns in general are undervalued and can be great players for the price.

It would be ideal to have them both. Spend some time with them. Keep your favorite and sell the other. Coprions are easy to sell now as they are sought after. That minimizes the risk.

Good luck!

selmer53

Thanks!
Now what if...IF, I were able to get a hold of an Olds Studio from the early '60s for as much (or more) as the two others put together? Would you go for that, or stay simple considering that I'm a novice at all of this for the moment?

djazz

A good OLDS trumpet can be wonderful.

Dark rich tone and responsive.

An OLDS Studio would a be a superior investment.

selmer53

djazz (my new bestest friend!)

What type of mouthpiece, regardless of horn model, for a beginner? I believe the one I tried with the Conn was a Blessing 7. I've noticed lots of 7s floating around on bid-sites. Are these apropriate begining mpcs?
Thanks again!

selmer53

Regarding the Conn's "compression"...
What exactly does that mean?

brunets

Hi,

Whatever mouthpiece you choose, find one that is really a cornet mouthpiece rather than a trumpet one with a cornet shank. Then, choose on with which you are comfortable. Every mouth is different so everyone will propose you a different model.

Stéphane

MFfan

I've never played a Director, but used to have a Reynolds Emporer cornet. Built like a tank and played very well. That model was a step up from the base Medalist. Reynolds horns are well regarded. I eventually got a Besson cornet and donated the Reynolds to the local school system for beginners to learn on.

selmer53

Thanks Stephane and MFfan!
This is truly difficult, and time sensitive, when bidding on instruments one cannot play. Unfortunately, the prices are too tempting and I want to start playing as soon as I can.
All of the research I've done leads me to believe that either horn will be a fine beginner's inst.
I suppose fate must step in at this point and all will depend on whether someone else out there is willing to shell-out a lot more than I am for one of these!
MFfan...
you mentioned that the Reynolds was "built like a tank". I was also told by a shopkeeper that the Conn is somewhat indestructable, with the straight double bracings and all.
Any thoughts?

selmer53

O.k....
Just did some more detective work.
It appears that the Conn Director is NOT a coprion, but rather a 15A model ('64). So the whole coprion advantage is shot.
This being said, should one opt for the Reynolds Emperor or Conn (non-coprion) Director?
Please, any guidance would be appreciated...
Time is running out!!
Cheers!