1951 C.G. Conn 28B Connstellation Bb Trumpet – Rare Early Connstellation – Original Case & Matching Guarantee Card

A remarkably rare and outstanding-playing 1951 C.G. Conn 28B Connstellation, made in Elkhart, Indiana. Serial number 424771.

The 28B is one of the earliest trumpets of the legendary Connstellation family and a fascinating predecessor to the later and much better-known 38B Connstellation.

Introduced during Conn’s great Elkhart era, the 28B combines the distinctive early Connstellation concept with Conn’s #1½ bore, approximately .459” – comparable in size to what would today generally be considered a medium-large bore.

The result is a very unusual trumpet.

Compared with the later 38B, the 28B has considerably more breadth and openness in the sound. It produces a large, resonant and extremely lively tone with a strong central core, while retaining the immediate response, clarity and projection associated with the great Elkhart Conn instruments.

At softer dynamics the instrument can sound warm, vocal and remarkably refined. With more air and energy it opens up beautifully, developing brilliance, presence and considerable carrying power without becoming thin.

See the video from Austin Brass to get an impression of a (not my) Conn 28b Constellation sound...

This is not a neutral modern trumpet. It has a genuine individual voice and the unmistakable character of an early American professional instrument.

Most importantly, this particular 28B is an exceptional player.

The trumpet has been professionally cleaned, serviced and carefully attended to by Van Laar in the Netherlands. The valve section has been serviced and adjusted, the valves operate smoothly and reliably, and all slides are free.

The instrument is in polished raw brass. The horn presents extremely cleanly, as shown in the photographs. The photographs form an important part of the description and show the actual condition of the instrument in detail.

What makes this particular example especially interesting is its unusually complete historical package.

It comes with its original Conn case, which remains in remarkably good condition for its age, including the beautiful original burgundy interior and Conn fittings.

Also included is the original Conn Guarantee Card bearing the matching serial number 424771, directly documenting this particular instrument. The original Conn tag is also present.

Finding a Conn 28B today is difficult in itself. Finding a complete, professionally serviced and excellent-playing example with its original case and matching-number Conn documentation is considerably more unusual.

Instrument details:

– C.G. Conn 28B Connstellation
– Bb trumpet
– Serial number 424771
– Circa 1951
– Made in Elkhart, Indiana, USA
– Conn #1½ bore / approximately .459”
– Early Connstellation professional model
– Raw brass
– Professionally cleaned and serviced
– Valve section serviced and adjusted
– All slides free
– Original Conn case
– Original Conn Guarantee Card with matching serial number
– Original Conn tag

I am selling the instrument only because I am reducing and refocusing my personal trumpet collection.

For players and collectors interested in early Elkhart Conns, rare American professional trumpets and instruments with a genuinely distinctive voice, this is a very special example.

Please study all photographs carefully. Serious questions are always welcome.

Worldwide shipping is possible. The instrument will be packed very carefully.