Conn 17B Director

Conn 17B Director with Coprion Bell 1960

Date: 1960, Owned by David Fulcher

This is a coprion bell version of the "regular" (and ubiquitous) 1960's Director (15B).

The instrument is a #1 Bore (0.438") and has a 4 5/8" diameter coprion bell. It also has some nickel trim, but this is limited to a section of the leadpipe. Valves are bottom spring.

What Conn said in 1962:
Completely New, these Conn Directors offer new and greater heights of performance for the aspiring young musician. Even the untrained embouchure can easily play each note right on the button due to the remarkably centered response. Every minute detail has been specifically designed and created with the student in mind so that he may quickly progress to the best of his ability. The new Conn Directors are acoustically, mechanically, and musically superior... without doubt the finest value in this price range!
Special features of the new Directors: "Anti-Bounce", positive, quiet valves. Bell thickness graduated for finest tone. Newly calibrated bore for easier high register. Brilliant, longer lasting "Lustre-Conn" finish.

What Conn said in 1966:
Acclaimed by music educators throughout the country as the top value in student trumpets. Designed to allow the student to progress to the best of his natural ability. Easy playing, with precise intonation throughout all registers. Remarkably centered response and tonal brightness. Ruggedly built to stand up under the rigors of student use. 17B has Coprion bell for slightly darker, more centered tone. 15B has brass bell. Medium bore feel. Length 21". Bell 4 5/8".