The Conn 20-J Upright Recording Bass was the Conn Musical Instrument Company's answer to the perfect tuba in the mid-20th century. A concert instrument by design, the 20-J produces a deep, sonorous tone. The bore size (diameter of the tubing) is larger than all others tubas created at the time. The horn has thick silver plating, making it not only heavy and cumbersome, but strong and durable.
The 20-J has three upright valves and a 24 inch bell. They weigh approximately 52 lbs each. We also have in our possession two 24-J's. They have an added fourth valve (for those who love to take everything down an octave). These horns weigh about 60lbs each...try lugging that around the field for 10 minutes!
The history of the 20-J goes only so far at JSU. Director John T. Finley bought the first several 20-J's in the mid-1950's. Dr. David Walters, Director of Bands Emeritus, continued collecting the horns in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's. Several 20-J's were bought at a time until we arrived with our current stock. The latest horn was donated to the Marching Southerners in 1996. it has taken over 30 years to collect all the 20-J's that we have today.
The school currently owns 24 horns. Luckily, almost all are in working condition. The test of time has been very gracious to the 20-J's. As old as they are, they are in excellent condition. That does not stop us from having to constantly maintain them however. Since production of the 20-J's halted in the 1950's, parts are scarce at best. We are forced to make do with what we can. Occasionally, a support brace will need re-soldering, or a valve will need readjusting, but the horns hold up wonderfully for their age. They truly don't make 'em like they used to!
We are currently refurbishing all the horns. The University and state government have pledged to aid us financially. JSU President William Meehan, as well as members of the Board of Trusties, have been very helpful. Southeastern Music Co.in Huntsville has been dismantling, stripping, repairing, and replating the 20-J's since January 2002. Approximately 8 horns are sent at a time, and all should be completed by summer 2004.
Col. Charles Gerard Conn was a respected musician when he came to Elkhart, Indiana, and opened a band instrument manufacturing business in 1875 after serving as a soldier in the U.S. Civil War. His legacy lives on today as C.G. Conn instruments are the best recognized and the oldest continuously produced brass instrument in the United States. Today, C.G. Conn is again the leader in innovation. New professional saxophones, trumpets, trombones, horns and low brass. ItŐs no wonder that today's leading musicians look to Conn.
The name "20-J" is simply the model of the instrument. Each instrument produced by the Conn Co. is designated a letter. The recording bass (tuba) was labeled with the letter "J." The "20" refers to a more specific horn. 20-J's are bellfront, while 21-J's are basses with upright bells. 24-J's have the extra 4th valve, and are bellfront, while 25-J's have four valves and an upright bell.
The full history of C.G. Conn.
C.G. Conn