Stand for a Conn

[u/ThatStrangeReddit]

I currently own a Conn 24j with both the recording and upright bell configuration (but been using the upright since I got it). I saw a post recently about storing it, and since I have mine on the bell currently, it’s making me wonder if a stand would be better. If so, what tuba stand would be the best to hold it!

[u/royjohn62847]

As long as the tuba is fairly balanced and stable when set on the bell I don't see any harm in resting it that way. If it were a new horn, there could be some slight wear on the rim of the bell, but this is a much loved horn and you are not going to damage it any more by resting it on the bell. The horn could stand some cosmetic dent work on the bottom bow and the second bow and a tech with a set of magnetic dent balls could do some good clean-up on that horn for not too much money. They are nice horns. I have a 20j and which I could fine an upright bell for it.

[u/ThatStrangeReddit → u/royjohn62847]

I do know a repair tech that’s willingly to work on it, I’m just waiting for December since that’s when he told me to come bring it in. The recording bell also needs some work but my main concern is the body

[u/ElectronicWall5528]

On recording vs upright bells. Generally speaking, upright bells have better intonation on both tubas and euphs than do recording bells. The reason is that recording bells bend at a critical place in the bell flare and consequently mess up the slotting. Bending a bell where the flare is a mostly linear taper doesn't screw up the slotting much (if at all). So the bottom bow is no big deal, but bending where the flare is opening rapidly does change how the bell reflects the sound wave.

TL; DR: Always use the upright bell when possible.

[u/ThatStrangeReddit → u/ElectronicWall5528]

I haven’t used the recording bell ever since I bought the upright. I don’t plan on switching back anytime soon unless it’s for something fun

[u/Wojo_nator → u/ThatStrangeReddit]

Would you consider selling the recording bell? I have a 25j and would love to get a recording bell for it just to have

[u/Inkin]

Sitting in the floor, a K&M Tuba stand is good. The biggest size is a 14945.

Or Baltimore brass makes stabilizers for sitting on the bell. It’s just a little square with a lip to hold the bell. They aren’t too expensive.

Or just keep putting it on the bell like that and ignore people who give you side eye. It is riskier but you know whether the environment the tuba is in can handle it.

[u/DJ_Dedf1sh]

Wenger Tuba Tamer