Conn 80J/81J Wonderphone BBb Bass
Date: 1926. (Drawing)
The Wonderphone family consists of the 80J and 81J (pictured here) which have three valves, and the 82J/83J which have four valves.
What Conn said in 1926:
The Wonderphone Model BBb Bass built with detachable curved bell, in either three- or four-valve types, has been built for many
years by C.G. Conn Ltd., and has served most satisfactorily in concert bands and orchestras owing to its rich, full and mellow tone.
This model is of the same bore and pitch as the regular Conn "Monster" BBb Bass, and is in all respects similar to that instrument,
with the added feature of the adjustable bell, which enables the performer to throw the tone in any direction desired. When used in
concert, the tone is thrown toward the audience rather than upward, and the advantage of this can be readily appreciated.
This model is used by some artists in their phonograph work, who prefer it to the CC Phonograph Model. The Wonderphone is also used
in some dance orchestras where the Sousaphone Grand is not in evidence.
Many of our most capable artists use this model in preference to the regular upright basses, and nothing but the highest
endorsement has been given to the Wonderphone by those who have played it.
What Conn said in 1934:
The bore in this model is the next smaller size than that of the 36J. And is an ideal instrument for general purposes. Recently
some radical improvements have been made in this model. The angle of the bell has been lifted to afford a clear view ahead and
some of the bell branches have been enlarged to give big, easy response. Three valves, 23-inch bell, key of BBb.