Review: Conn 6A Victor Cornet - Phenomenal Instrument!

The Conn Victor 6A; a simply wonderful instrument. Very mouthpiece sensitive; played with a rather shallow cup and then a deeper cup as well. This horn is from around 1956. Jonathan Milam

[@rickfoster4827]

Magnificent horn. I've owned a couple of 80A Victors, which I loved. The 6A sure makes a great sound. Also wanted to mention, enjoyed the Reynolds Pro I bought from you which has since passed on to other hands. Very nice piece.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Rick; Greetings! Thanks for saying hi. I've had 3 Reynolds horns and they were all very nice. I haven't yet had the Contempora though. That one you bought, the Reynolds (professional)... Very nice. So was this Conn here. It went to a nice home in New Zealand. I've had two of the 6B's; the trumpet model too. Aaannnddd I've got a nice vintage 22B on the way; from around the '30's. Vid coming soon! :) Again, Rick; thanks for saying hi! Keep in touch! Also - I'm jealous! I've never had an 80A!! I've tried to buy a couple but couldn't get the right price. I've seen a few I could afford but they were in awful condition. I've heard very good things about them though.

[@BariRMe]

I had an opportunity to buy a 6A recently, but I didn't like it. Too "trumpety." I know where there's a 38A like the one you mention, and I've seen your review. (Is that the one where you said something about angels singing?) I may get an opportunity to play it next month, but I think I've decided to be happy with what I have - a 12A. It's a very nice horn. Very mellow, but as you say, quite large. My trumpet is a Benge CG though (.468) so I'm quite used to larger horns. I don't think it gives me much of a problem. The only thing wrong really is that it's raw brass and copper. I'm letting it change colors cuz I don't want the maintenance and a lacquer job is just too expensive. That and it lacks the modern intonation aids. It's all about the tone on this horn tho. I really enjoy your reviews. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@BariRMe]

Jonathan - you must have a very patient spouse. :) You mention the horn went to New Zealand. Of all the horns you have reviewed, which ones have you kept, if any, and - if I may - why those? (For the record, I have a small "flock" of Conns: 15 and 17As, 76A, and a 12A - the pick of the litter, if you will. I'm trying to decide between a 6A or a 38A, neither of which I will have an opportunity to play before I buy. Only one trumpet though: a Benge CG.)

[@JonathanMilam1]

Steve; great question - so sorry I've taken so long to respond. Work relocated me recently and I'm just not my usual self. The only cornet I've kept through the years is the first I purchased back in the early 2000's; a lovely Olds Special. I had an Olds Recording that played so much like my Special; I just kept the lesser valued horn. I'm NOT a wealthy guy, so I buy a horn, then play it, then review it and then sell it. I'm not a collector. I much prefer the trumpet; I think with the longer mouthpiece I have better control. Really, I think the cornet is a harder instrument to master (perhaps that's why it's not nearly so popular at this time). The 6A was a marvelous horn; I should have kept it. I had 38A Connstellation that was great for a large, dark tone - but the bore size (at the end) is almost the same as a valve trombone (very large - .382 or .385, something like that?)... I just don't have the embouchure to keep up with that long term. Incidentally, I did a review on that horn, too. :) For me the 6A would be my preference. A guy named Dave bought the Conn from me; he's done some lovely recordings with it here at KZbin, one Christmas carol really impressed me (you should be able to google "Dave Connstelation Cornet Christmas" and find it (if not let me know). For my and the little I play cornet, I just can't top the Olds Special I have; I love that little horn! :) For vintage trumpets, it's really hard to be the 1926 Conn 22B I had (that one is in England now) and a fantastic 12B; the Coprion trumpet. Conn did a fantastic job putting out simply marvelous instruments back in the 20's, 30's, and so on. Incidentally, there are several Conn collectors at TrumpetHerald.com; I've hounded some of them for info on and off through the years.

[@jeshuamusic3500]

Hello, greetings from Colombia! I recently purchased a CG Conn LTD Victor trumpet, serial no. GC 920539! Could you help me identify which model I have? And what year was it manufactured? thank you

[@JonathanMilam1]

Goggle or search for ‘The Conn Loyalist’ web site. A serial number search there will tell you the year, and the pictures can help you identify the Model horn yours is. I’ll try to send links when I get off my phone and have a computer in front of me. :)

[@JonathanMilam1]

Ok, here's their page for serial numbers: cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnSerialsConnBrass.html and here's their page to identify your trumpet: cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnLooksTrumpet.html