Dad's Conn 448N

[stokespeter]

I have just acquired a fully restored 448N. Wanted to link a FB post for continuity.  This is a fantastic instrument with pitch as good or better than an R13 across the full range, that was a happy surprise.

https://www.facebook.com/1592526224/posts/10220358792871908/  A rare instrument.

[Airflyte]

Welcome to the forum Peter.

Very nice professional level Conn. Feel free to tells us more details such as pad types and such.

[DaveLeBlanc]

Hey Peter, any relation to Sheridon Stokes?

[stokespeter]

I’ll have to ask Dave what pads he used, it plays divinely. 

No relation to Sheridan so far as I know. My Dad was one of twelve out of Brooklyn NY, but he did not keep in touch with his siblings so I don’t know.  It would be nice to reconnect but I wouldn’t know where to begin. 

Dave has done great work for me on now three clarinets. A Leblanc Symphonie from the ‘50s, a 1930’s Silva bet in pristine condition, and now this Conn. He’s also done some work for me on my super cheap Vito Bass.  I’ll inquire about pads, what else is of interest?  Dave did point out that the pivots are all setup with side locking screws so as the instrument wears it’s pretty easy to take out play.  I’ll post a picture to show what he means.

[DaveLeBlanc]

Those early Symphonies are really something, aren't they? Worked on one myself around 3-4 years ago. Always hurts to part with someone you love...

[stokespeter]

The Leblanc is my moms. she’s had it since she was in highschool. I was astonished that my Grandfather would have paid its price new in 1950 as he was a farmer in western NY And money was never available.  It has magnificent tone and I will be both happy and sad to have it as my own someday.  Mom had thought that she had just lost the ability to play but it turned out that as happens her case had pad weevils and they had caused so many leaks the keys were not functional anymore.  Several shops declined working on it but Dave greeted it as an old friend, told me things about its heritage and did an immaculate job of repadding, replaced a worn tenon cork and re-regulated it. 

Moms currently playing again and thrilled to have it restored to its former performance.

[DaveLeBlanc]

I never understood why anybody would refuse to work on a clarinet like that. I have a “no clarinet left behind” policy.
Given a regular old Bundy I’ll still spend many hours and put as much care into it as I would an R13.

I guess it just depends what your personality is and how much you respect the instrument.

[Dibbs]

I think it's largely because it's hard to quote for.  Regular jobs on a modern instrument are easy.  An old instrument is a bit of a mystery.  Who knows what you will find?  Then there's the psychological aspect.  Someone who works on musical instruments is very likely a bit of an introvert and doesn't want any hassle.  You don't need many difficult customers who think they have a Stradivarius equivalent to make a decision to avoid old worn instruments.

[DaveLeBlanc]

That’s a good point. Lots of people think that old = valuable and that is absolutely NOT the case with clarinets. Maybe saxophones, but for the most part any clarinet before 1970 is going to be worth a buck or two.

I’ve always had a dream myself. A music store with honest prices, honest techs, and a no-discrimination policy.

One day I’ll open up that shop. But probably not today, haha.

[DaveLeBlanc]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I would like to share a lovely Classic that I restored a while ago. It's not a Symphonie, but it's pretty close! The font on this and the original Symphonie are just about the same. Looks like they changed the font for the Symphonie 2 and above

[dulcettones]

Hi there,
I'm not even sure if you're still an active user here, but just in case you are, I wondered if you can tell me the dimensions of the barrel from your Dad's 448N?
You see, I have been playing the same instrument for years—but using a different barrel, which means the instrument plays sharp—and I'm now looking to find an original/replacement barrel. But to do this, I need the original dimensions: so length and bore.
Any help you can provide would be most appreciated. A picture of the barrel would go a long way in helping too.
Thanks, Mark

[windydankoff]

Dulcet/Mark - Pitch of the horn is determined by the barrel's bore as well as its length. This is discussed on our topic "Clarinettist with Conn 448N question".

[super20dan]

wow thats a special conn. i just bought a 424n and had it rebuilt and its the best jazz horn i have ever played. yours deserves a special owner.