Brand: Conn
Model: Connstellation 38B
Condition: Used, Very good
Year: 1956
Key: Bb
Bore: .438"
Bell Size: 5 1/8" Electro-D (Yellow Brass plated in copper and nickel)
Finish: Nickel
Case: No
Valve Oil: Yamaha Vintage
This used 1956 Conn Connstellation 38B has the extra nickel accents on the valve block characteristic of the early examples of this model from the 1956-57 production years. We cleaned it and gave the valves a precision valve alignment, and it's in fantastic shape for its age with just a few minor spots of lacquer wear and some surface scratches. This horn has a deep and rich sound with a very easy upper register; it truly barks and whispers equally well. The valves are among the best we've seen on a 38B in terms of smoothness and evenness, with good compression using Yamaha Vintage oil. No case.
From The Conn Loyalist:
The Connstellation 38B is nickel plated with brass trim and has a large 5 1/8" bell. It has a #1 bore (0.438"), and was produced from 1956 to at least 1979.
There are several variants of Connstellation 38B. The 1956 and 1957 versions (pictured here) used a style of valve cap that was specific to those years. It is a felt-less top valve cap. From 1958 Conn switched all trumpets and cornets to a style of valve cap with the felt on the top valve caps itself. These valve caps are either nickel-silver plated or lacquered brass. I suspect that from late 1959 (serial numbers 800,000 and above?) the rule was to equip nickel plated, nickel silver and silver plated instruments with lacquered brass valve caps, and lacquered brass and coprion instruments with the nickel-silver valve caps.
What Conn said in 1957:
The "last word" in trumpets... this brand new model is a fitting companion to the great 28A Connstellation cornet. Many artists use both- the cornet for small combo use and the trumpet for larger groups and solo work. Features amazing ELECTRO-D bell, top spring clickless crysteel valves, non-corroding "Micro-Finish" mouthpipe and scientific CALI-BORE. Nylon piston guide reduces valve noise at the same time adding longer life to the part as compared to former metal guide. Trigger mechanism on first valve gives great flexibility in both high and low ranges. Length 21½", weight 2 lbs. 12 oz., bell diameter 5 1/8". Outfit includes new, modern Connstellation case.
Highly polished nickel finish, with brass trim, protected by longer lasting, acid resistant LUSTRE-CONN finish.
