This vintage Conn 8D is one of the best examples we've ever seen, a "closet queen" that spent decades in storage before being consigned by the owner. At least 99% lacquer remains, and only a handful of dings and well-done solders on the lyre mount and leadpipe brace show that it was ever used. The rotors test within great range for thier age, and have plenty of years left on them. 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-badged case, Connstellation 7B-W mouthpiece, and Conn-badged lyre.
The "N Series" serial number dates it to late 1970, one of the best years handmade in Conn's workshop, with the most desirable string-linkage trigger. This is a "Transitional" model made with Elkhart parts, including the rotor section (tapered rotors, rounded top caps, thin slide rings) and bell (tall bell seam, lighter weight) but hand-engraved "USA". This was common on the last horns before production fully changed to Abeline. These are still some of the most desirable Kruspe wraps ever made, and rare to see an example this well preserved over 50 years later!
Specifications:
- Key: F/Bb
- Bore: 0.468"
- Trigger: String Linkage
- Bell: 12-¼" diameter large throat
- All nickel silver construction
- Tapered rotors and bearings (Elkhart)
- Tall Bell Seam (Elkhart)
- Finish: Lacquered
- Serial Number: N series circa 1970
- Includes: Original case, mouthpiece, and lyre
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.
This "N Series" serialized example is one of the best years handmade in Conn's workshop in Elkhart, and are some of the most desirable Kruspe wraps ever made.
Compression
Lubrication used: JM #13 (light) on top and bottom bearings / JM #2 (light) on rotors / JM #7 on slides
- 1st: F - 0.5 Bb - 0.5
- 2nd: F - 2 Bb - 1
- 3rd: F - 3 Bb - 1.5
- Change/Trigger: F - 2 Bb - 2
- Leadpipe - 0
- Overall compression: F - 0.5 Bb - 0.5
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.
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This vintage Conn 8D is one of the best examples we've ever seen, a "closet queen" that spent decades in storage before being consigned by the owner. At least 99% lacquer remains, and only a handful of dings and well-done solders on the lyre mount and leadpipe brace show that it was ever used. The rotors test within great range for thier age, and have plenty of years left on them. 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-badged case, Connstellation 7B-W mouthpiece, and Conn-badged lyre.
The "N Series" serial number dates it to late 1970, one of the best years handmade in Conn's workshop, with the most desirable string-linkage trigger. This is a "Transitional" model made with Elkhart parts, including the rotor section (tapered rotors, rounded top caps, thin slide rings) and bell (tall bell seam, lighter weight) but hand-engraved "USA". This was common on the last horns before production fully changed to Abeline. These are still some of the most desirable Kruspe wraps ever made, and rare to see an example this well preserved over 50 years later!
Specifications:
- Key: F/Bb
- Bore: 0.468"
- Trigger: String Linkage
- Bell: 12-¼" diameter large throat
- All nickel silver construction
- Tapered rotors and bearings (Elkhart)
- Tall Bell Seam (Elkhart)
- Finish: Lacquered
- Serial Number: N series circa 1970
- Includes: Original case, mouthpiece, and lyre
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.
This "N Series" serialized example is one of the best years handmade in Conn's workshop in Elkhart, and are some of the most desirable Kruspe wraps ever made.
Compression
Lubrication used: JM #13 (light) on top and bottom bearings / JM #2 (light) on rotors / JM #7 on slides
- 1st: F - 0.5 Bb - 0.5
- 2nd: F - 2 Bb - 1
- 3rd: F - 3 Bb - 1.5
- Change/Trigger: F - 2 Bb - 2
- Leadpipe - 0
- Overall compression: F - 0.5 Bb - 0.5
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.