so55

Conn 22b and medium bore King Liberty. Are they similar in playing and sound? Which one do you prefer?

plp

To me, they are very differnt trumpets. The 22B is what the Strad replaced, the concert and orchestral standard of it's day. Yes, the big orchestras had their custom Strads, French Bessons, and the odd Holton thrown in for good measure, but I'd be willing to bet the 22B was found in more community pops bands than anything else at that time.

The 2 Libertys I've had (1938 and 1946) were heavywalled, small belled very bright trumpets, that would work well for big band or today's swing bands. A lot of directed projection, and none of the mouthpieces I tried could darken the tone. I sold one to a high school player to use for marching band and still have the other.

Both trumpet brands are very well made, and have survived the test of time with flying colors.