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Pricing and availability

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Description

Discover the brilliance of the Conn 38B Connstellation, a trumpet that has earned its place in both the concert hall and the jazz club. Revered by musicians for its unique nickel-silver leadpipe, this trumpet is celebrated for delivering a crisp, clear tone with exceptional projection. The Connstellation's design offers a blend of precision and expressiveness, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring players. With a reputation for superior craftsmanship, Conn has engineered the 38B to provide a responsive and fluid playing experience.

This trumpet stands out with its thoughtful design and high-quality materials that ensure durability and consistent performance. Its medium-large bore is perfect for those seeking a versatile instrument capable of producing a warm, resonant sound. Whether you're performing a delicate classical piece or a lively jazz solo, the Conn 38B Connstellation offers the control and reliability you need to shine.

Key Features:

  • Unique nickel-silver leadpipe for enhanced projection and tone clarity
  • Medium-large bore size for versatile sound production
  • Hand-lapped Monel pistons for smooth action and durability
  • First slide trigger and adjustable third slide ring for precise intonation control
  • Designed for both professional and intermediate players
  • Known for its robust construction and reliable performance
worldofbrass2000

worldofbrass2000

The C.G.Conn Connstellation 38B Trumpet

Video thumbnail for The C.G.Conn Connstellation 38B Trumpet by worldofbrass2000

The C.G.Conn Connstellation 38B Trumpet

worldofbrass2000

worldofbrass2000

Video thumbnail for Conn Connstellation 38b 1967 by MrCoolerdave

Conn Connstellation 38b 1967

MrCoolerdave

MrCoolerdave

Video thumbnail for TrumpetScout Trompetentest: Conn Connstellation 38B by Trumpet Scout

TrumpetScout Trompetentest: Conn Connstellation 38B

Trumpet Scout

Trumpet Scout

Video thumbnail for The Conn Connstellation 38B by worldofbrass2000

The Conn Connstellation 38B

worldofbrass2000

worldofbrass2000

Video thumbnail for Conn Connstellation 38B Trumpet by Timo Myllymäki

Conn Connstellation 38B Trumpet

Timo Myllymäki

Timo Myllymäki

Video thumbnail for Throwback Thursday with a  60's Conn Connstellation 38B at Austin Custom Brass by Austin Custom Brass

Throwback Thursday with a 60's Conn Connstellation 38B at Austin Custom Brass

Austin Custom Brass

Austin Custom Brass

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Conn 38B Connstellation.

Build quality

  • Connstellation 38B made in Abilene, Texas, often viewed as lower quality than Elkhart, Indiana, models due to production changes.

    Source
  • A 1960s Conn 38B in mint condition is described as having no dents, tarnish, leaks, or stuck slides, indicating high initial build quality.

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Value and pricing

  • Abilene-era Connstellation 38B typically priced around $870; earlier Elkhart models could be valued at nearly double.

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  • A mint condition Connstellation from the 1960s can be found for around $550, which is considered a bargain by enthusiasts.

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User experience

  • Owners of the Abilene-made 38B report good playability, suggesting it's a viable option despite its lesser reputation compared to Elkhart versions.

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  • Owners report that late 1960s models still fall within the "good years," providing excellent playability and tone.

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  • Owners of the Conn 28A, similar to the 38B, report it as free-blowing with a mellow sound, suitable for various musical styles, not just jazz.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Conn 38B is favored for jazz, with notable players like Maynard Ferguson using it for its bright, open sound.

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  • The 38B's tone is described as having legendary qualities, potentially due to its design similarities with the 28A "Long Cornet," suggesting a more conical bore.

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  • The Connstellation 38B is highlighted for producing a dark, smoky tone, suitable for jazz and a "west coast" style, aligning with preferences for a mellow sound.

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Features and functionality

  • The 38B model includes a distinctive 3rd valve trigger, which enhances playability for quick adjustments during performance.

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  • Some Connstellation models have unique "opera glass" tuning mechanisms, providing flexibility to adjust tuning slides better, adding to their distinctive playability features.

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Comparisons

  • One owner replaced a Yamaha with a Connstellation for jazz, highlighting its suitability for this genre over other brands.

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  • The Conn 36B is mentioned as a lighter version of the 38B, with a smaller bell diameter, suitable for commercial and lead playing, popular among notable players like Dan Falcone.

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Artist usage

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See how Chet Baker uses Conn 38B Connstellation

Chet Baker

Trumpeter

...
Verified via TrumpetHerald.com

Used in the '70s, according to three sources.

Trumpet Herald forum, January 15, 2005

2ndchair, 7:23 PM On the album pictures for "You Can't go Home Again" he appears to be playing a Conn Constellation.

I own examples of both and they are very different horns in sound, look and feel.

Chet Baker did suffer from ill health and some extreme dental issues in his later years. The Conn may have felt better on tired chops. Mine sure does!

He still got that fat rich sound and maintained an introverted and poetic style throughout the album. Paul Desmond is also quite amazing and the two musicians are obviously very comfortable working together.

plankowner110, 9:30 PM Chet played a 38B Connstellation. Down Beat magazine did a feature story on Chet along about 1983, and Chet talked about his Conn Connstellation. At the time of the DB interview he was playing a Blessing (you probably can guess why he did not have the Conn anymore) and he said, "I really like Conns but they're so expensive." Chet also stated that he quit playing flugelhorn because it was too much hassle carrying two instrument cases. He said he could achieve the sound he wanted by playing open horn very close to the mic.

I remember that article well because I played a 38B throughout the late 60s, 70s and 80s. I personally knew the regional sales manager for C.G. Conn (pre-UMI) and asked him if Conn would be interested in putting a Connstellation back into the hands of Chet Baker, and he replied that the company probably would not want to use Chet as an endorsee and roll model for student trumpeters. Eventually, Chet dumped the Blessing and picked up a Bach Strad.

The Folk Who Feel Jazz, March 1, 2009

What kind of horns did Chet play?

Chet wasn't loyal to any particular brand or type. He usually blew on whatever he had at the time. Many times he would pawn or lose his horn when he was strung out. He played a Martin "Committee" in the fifties, he even appeared in an ad for Martin. In the 70's he liked the Conn "Constellation". In the 80's he played on a Buescher and a Getzen Capri. At the time of his death he was playing a Selmer "Vincent Bach Stradivarius". He also played a flugelhorn (usually a Selmer) through much of 1964-1968. He found the horn easier to play when he was having problems with his teeth.

Trumpet Herald forum, July 2, 2011

Big Daddy, 1:08 PM According to Ruth Young who dated Chet for 10 years from around 1973 to 1982, the Constellation 38B was his all time favorite trumpet. I've had some long conversations with Ruth, 5 hours once on the phone. She still has Chet's hand written transcript for, "As Though I had Wings" and a couple of his mutes.

Album Usage

The Conn 38B Connstellation has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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