Conn

Conn

31

Also known as: C.G. Conn, CG Conn, Conn-Selmer

Unclaimed

Conn is an American manufacturer of brass and woodwind instruments founded in 1875 by Charles Gerard Conn in Elkhart, Indiana. The company became one of the most influential makers of band instruments in the United States, producing trumpets, cornets, trombones, sousaphones, saxophones, and French horns that helped shape the sound of American jazz, marching bands, and concert ensembles. Elkhart...

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Conn is an American manufacturer of brass and woodwind instruments founded in 1875 by Charles Gerard Conn in Elkhart, Indiana. The company became one of the most influential makers of band instruments in the United States, producing trumpets, cornets, trombones, sousaphones, saxophones, and French horns that helped shape the sound of American jazz, marching bands, and concert ensembles. Elkhart earned its reputation as the 'Band Instrument Capital of the World' largely due to Conn's presence and the workshops it spawned.

Among Conn's most iconic instruments are the 8D French horn, the 88H trombone, the 6M 'Ladyface' alto saxophone, the 10M 'Naked Lady' tenor saxophone, and the original sousaphone, which the company developed in collaboration with John Philip Sousa in the 1890s. Vintage Conn horns from the Elkhart era are particularly sought after by professional players and collectors for their distinctive tone and craftsmanship.

The Conn name is now part of Conn-Selmer, which continues to produce brass and woodwind instruments under the Conn brand alongside other historic American names like King, Holton, Bach, and Selmer. The brand remains a staple in school band programs and professional settings, with instruments spanning student, intermediate, and professional tiers.

Conn has 32 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Trombones, French Horns, and Trumpets. Their gear is featured by 23 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Jazz, and Folk, World, & Country. Notable users include Mike Wilbur, David Gilmour, and Angus Young.

Artists Who Use Conn

Mike Wilbur uses 2 Conn products

Mike Wilbur

Composer · Moon Hooch

David Gilmour uses 1 Conn product

David Gilmour

Guitarist · Pink Floyd

Angus Young uses 1 Conn product

Angus Young

Guitarist · AC/DC

Thurston Moore uses 1 Conn product

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist · Sonic Youth

Neil Young uses 1 Conn product

Neil Young

Singer, Guitarist · Crazy Horse

Ace Frehley uses 1 Conn product

Ace Frehley

Singer, Guitarist · Kiss

Adrian Belew uses 1 Conn product

Adrian Belew

Singer, Guitarist · Nine Inch Nails

Paul Stanley uses 1 Conn product

Paul Stanley

Guitarist, Singer · Kiss

Chris Holmes uses 1 Conn product

Chris Holmes

Guitarist · W.A.S.P.

Laurie Nankivell uses 1 Conn product

Laurie Nankivell

Bassist · Squid

Edgar Froese uses 1 Conn product

Edgar Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist · Tangerine Dream

George Kooymans uses 1 Conn product

George Kooymans

Singer, Guitarist · Golden Earring

Phil Manzanera uses 1 Conn product

Phil Manzanera

Guitarist · Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Lyle Preslar uses 1 Conn product

Lyle Preslar

Guitarist · Minor Threat

Chet Baker uses 1 Conn product

Chet Baker

Trumpeter

Shabaka Hutchings uses 1 Conn product

Shabaka Hutchings

Composer · The Comet is Coming

Wenzl McGowen uses 1 Conn product

Wenzl McGowen

Composer · Moon Hooch

Charlie Parker uses 1 Conn product

Charlie Parker

Saxophonist · Charlie Parker Quartet

Art Pepper uses 1 Conn product

Art Pepper

Composer

David Hood uses 1 Conn product

David Hood

Bassist · The Waterboys

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