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This pre-letter Elkhart era Conn 8D is in good overall shape for its age, and plays with the classic Hollywood sound. It also features some tasteful upgrades, including a hand flipper or "duck's foot" to improve ergonomics, an amado waterkey is installed on the leadpipe, and it is delacquered. As expected for its age, it does have its fair share of previous repairs on the leadpipe and bell. The leadpipe receiver and brace is non-original, however this preserved the rare early leadpipe. The rotors were rebuilt long ago, and still hold up reasonably well, and should last another decade. Freshly serviced by our world-class shop, including full dissassembly and inspection, ultrasonic cleaning, and precision rotor alignment with new rotor bumpers and strings. Includes the original Conn case, with modern latches.

The "Pre-letter" serial number dates it to late 1958, one of the rarest from Conn's famous Elkhart era, handmade to a high standard in thier orginal workshop. These are some of the most desirable Kruspe wraps ever made, and the "Pre-letter" series are quite collectable.

Specifications:

  • Original Elkhart Construction
  • Key of F/Bb
  • .468" bore
  • Kruspe wrap
  • 12-ÂĽ" diameter large throat bell
  • All nickel silver construction
  • Tapered rotors and bearings
  • Serial Number: Pre-letter series circa 1958
  • Includes: Conn case

About the Conn 8D

Introduced in 1938, the Conn 8D cemented the tradition of large bell, all nickel silver, Kruspe-wrap French horns in the United States. Quickly becoming the instrument of choice for the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, the sound of the Conn 8D has also been heard by billions of people worldwide in Hollywood film scores.

With its distinctive tone quality and a broad acoustic profile, the warm sound of the 8D attracts horn players worldwide. The large bell throat helps keep the sound from spreading and getting too overblown in loud passages and the all nickel silver construction gives clarity to the sound. The 8D excels in the recording studio, where its fully formed sound is picked up authentically by microphones at any distance.
Whether you are recording the latest Hollywood blockbuster, practicing in your home studio, or on stage in a famous concert hall or your local high school, the classic sound of the 8D is best represented with these Elkhart era horns.

Compression

Lubrication used: JM #13 (light) on top and bottom bearings / JM #2 (light) on rotors / JM #7 on slides

  • 1st: F - 3 Bb - 2.5
  • 2nd: F - 0.5 Bb - 1
  • 3rd: F - 4 Bb - 2
  • Change/Trigger:  F - 1 Bb - 1.2
  • Leadpipe - 0
  • Overall compression: F - 2 Bb - 1.8

Warranty

Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns Used Instrument Warranty. Enjoy one year of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.

What Makes Houghton Horns Special

Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.

Sign up for a Free Virtual Instrument Consultation

Conn 8D - F/Bb Double French Horn - Nickel Silver - Fixed Bell - Lacquered Finish - Serial #: 776449 (Pre-Owned)

SKU: 776449
Regular price $4,500.00
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School, government agency, or music retailer? Get a quote.

This pre-letter Elkhart era Conn 8D is in good overall shape for its age, and plays with the classic Hollywood sound. It also features some tasteful upgrades, including a hand flipper or "duck's foot" to improve ergonomics, an amado waterkey is installed on the leadpipe, and it is delacquered. As expected for its age, it does have its fair share of previous repairs on the leadpipe and bell. The leadpipe receiver and brace is non-original, however this preserved the rare early leadpipe. The rotors were rebuilt long ago, and still hold up reasonably well, and should last another decade. Freshly serviced by our world-class shop, including full dissassembly and inspection, ultrasonic cleaning, and precision rotor alignment with new rotor bumpers and strings. Includes the original Conn case, with modern latches.

The "Pre-letter" serial number dates it to late 1958, one of the rarest from Conn's famous Elkhart era, handmade to a high standard in thier orginal workshop. These are some of the most desirable Kruspe wraps ever made, and the "Pre-letter" series are quite collectable.

Specifications:

  • Original Elkhart Construction
  • Key of F/Bb
  • .468" bore
  • Kruspe wrap
  • 12-ÂĽ" diameter large throat bell
  • All nickel silver construction
  • Tapered rotors and bearings
  • Serial Number: Pre-letter series circa 1958
  • Includes: Conn case

About the Conn 8D

Introduced in 1938, the Conn 8D cemented the tradition of large bell, all nickel silver, Kruspe-wrap French horns in the United States. Quickly becoming the instrument of choice for the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, the sound of the Conn 8D has also been heard by billions of people worldwide in Hollywood film scores.

With its distinctive tone quality and a broad acoustic profile, the warm sound of the 8D attracts horn players worldwide. The large bell throat helps keep the sound from spreading and getting too overblown in loud passages and the all nickel silver construction gives clarity to the sound. The 8D excels in the recording studio, where its fully formed sound is picked up authentically by microphones at any distance.
Whether you are recording the latest Hollywood blockbuster, practicing in your home studio, or on stage in a famous concert hall or your local high school, the classic sound of the 8D is best represented with these Elkhart era horns.

Compression

Lubrication used: JM #13 (light) on top and bottom bearings / JM #2 (light) on rotors / JM #7 on slides

  • 1st: F - 3 Bb - 2.5
  • 2nd: F - 0.5 Bb - 1
  • 3rd: F - 4 Bb - 2
  • Change/Trigger:  F - 1 Bb - 1.2
  • Leadpipe - 0
  • Overall compression: F - 2 Bb - 1.8

Warranty

Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns Used Instrument Warranty. Enjoy one year of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.

What Makes Houghton Horns Special

Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.

Sign up for a Free Virtual Instrument Consultation

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