What is the primary material of the Conn 112 bell?

The bell is constructed from rose brass, which is selected for its ability to produce a warm, rich tone and a wide range of tonal colours.

How does the valve system on the Conn 112 work?

It features a dual independent rotary attachment system in an F/Gb configuration. This allows the player to use the valves separately or together to access lower notes and alternative slide positions.

Is the Conn 112 suitable for students?

Yes, it is designed for both progressing students and professional musicians. Its professional build quality makes it an ideal long-term investment for a student moving into advanced orchestral playing.

What type of finish is applied to the Conn 112?

The instrument is finished with a gleaming clear lacquer. This finish helps protect the brass while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the rose brass bell.

What is the benefit of the open-wrap design?

The open-wrap F/Gb loop design offers excellent clarity and even resistance. It provides the player with an open feel compared to more traditional, tightly wrapped valve sections.

What kind of inner slides does the Conn 112 use?

The instrument features chrome-plated inner slides. These are designed to provide a perfectly smooth and effortless action, which is essential for fast technical passages.

In which musical settings is the Conn 112 best used?

It is perfectly suited for symphony orchestras and brass groups. Its wide bore and rose brass bell provide the projection needed for large ensembles.

Does the Conn 112 have a large or small bore?

The Conn 112 features a wide bore size. This design choice is standard for bass trombones to allow for the large volume of air required for a powerful low-end sound.

What is the typical price range for a new Conn 112?

The typical price for this professional instrument is approximately GBP 5890. This reflects its status as a premium, professional-standard orchestral instrument.

How does the Conn 112 compare to the Conn 52H?

While the 52H is a dual-bore Bb/F tenor trombone, the 112 is a dedicated bass trombone. The 112 features a larger bell and an independent dual valve system for extended low-range capabilities.

Can I use standard bass trombone mouthpieces with this instrument?

Yes, it is compatible with professional bass trombone mouthpieces. Options such as the Denis Wick Classic 2AL or the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C are commonly used by bass trombonists.

What accessories are often recommended for use with this trombone?

Players often use specialized mutes like the Denis Wick Tuba Practice Mute for silent practice. For ergonomic support, some players may use a Neotech Tuba Harness XL, although these are more common for tubas.

Gear article

Conn 112 Bass Trombone

The Conn 112 is a professional-grade orchestral bass trombone designed for symphonic and brass ensemble performance. It features a dual independent rotary valve system and a large bore design, providing the projection and tonal flexibility required for advanced players.

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Overview

The Conn 112 Bass Trombone is engineered as a premium instrument capable of meeting the rigorous demands of professional orchestral playing. It is defined by its substantial projection and the ability to maintain a consistent tonal character across a wide dynamic spectrum. The instrument is constructed with a focus on both structural durability and refined playability, making it a viable choice for progressing students and seasoned professionals alike.

Key Features and Design

A primary feature of the Conn 112 is its dual independent rotary attachment system. This configuration allows for significant flexibility in technical execution, providing players with alternative slide positions and an extended lower register. The open-wrap F/Gb loop is specifically designed to reduce air resistance, resulting in an open feel and high levels of clarity. The instrument utilises a large bore size to facilitate volume and projection, paired with chrome-plated inner slides that ensure a smooth, effortless action.

Tonal Character

The use of rose brass for the bell is a critical component of the Conn 112's sound profile. This material choice contributes to a warm, rich resonance and a diverse palette of tonal colours. Whether playing delicate pianissimo passages or powerful fortissimo sections, the instrument maintains a balanced response and even resistance, ensuring that the performer can project clearly within a symphony orchestra or a smaller brass group.

Target Audience

This instrument is primarily intended for two categories of musicians: the advancing student who requires a high-calibre bass trombone to bridge the gap into professional playing, and the professional orchestral musician. Its technical versatility makes it suitable for a range of settings, from the back row of a full symphony orchestra to the varied demands of a chamber brass ensemble.

Comparison with Alternatives

Within the Conn hierarchy, the 112 represents a significant step up from dual-bore tenor models like the Conn 52H, offering the larger bell and specialized bass trombone plumbing required for low-register work. While student-focused instruments like the Grassi STB850 provide entry-level access to the trombone family, the Conn 112 distinguishes itself through its independent valve system and professional-grade materials such as the rose brass bell and chrome-plated slides.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Conn 112 bell?: The bell is constructed from rose brass, which is selected for its ability to produce a warm, rich tone and a wide range of tonal colours.
How does the valve system on the Conn 112 work?: It features a dual independent rotary attachment system in an F/Gb configuration. This allows the player to use the valves separately or together to access lower notes and alternative slide positions.
Is the Conn 112 suitable for students?: Yes, it is designed for both progressing students and professional musicians. Its professional build quality makes it an ideal long-term investment for a student moving into advanced orchestral playing.
What type of finish is applied to the Conn 112?: The instrument is finished with a gleaming clear lacquer. This finish helps protect the brass while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the rose brass bell.
What is the benefit of the open-wrap design?: The open-wrap F/Gb loop design offers excellent clarity and even resistance. It provides the player with an open feel compared to more traditional, tightly wrapped valve sections.
What kind of inner slides does the Conn 112 use?: The instrument features chrome-plated inner slides. These are designed to provide a perfectly smooth and effortless action, which is essential for fast technical passages.
In which musical settings is the Conn 112 best used?: It is perfectly suited for symphony orchestras and brass groups. Its wide bore and rose brass bell provide the projection needed for large ensembles.
Does the Conn 112 have a large or small bore?: The Conn 112 features a wide bore size. This design choice is standard for bass trombones to allow for the large volume of air required for a powerful low-end sound.
What is the typical price range for a new Conn 112?: The typical price for this professional instrument is approximately GBP 5890. This reflects its status as a premium, professional-standard orchestral instrument.
How does the Conn 112 compare to the Conn 52H?: While the 52H is a dual-bore Bb/F tenor trombone, the 112 is a dedicated bass trombone. The 112 features a larger bell and an independent dual valve system for extended low-range capabilities.
Can I use standard bass trombone mouthpieces with this instrument?: Yes, it is compatible with professional bass trombone mouthpieces. Options such as the Denis Wick Classic 2AL or the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C are commonly used by bass trombonists.
What accessories are often recommended for use with this trombone?: Players often use specialized mutes like the Denis Wick Tuba Practice Mute for silent practice. For ergonomic support, some players may use a Neotech Tuba Harness XL, although these are more common for tubas.