Conn 17A Director with Coprion Bell
Date: 1963. Owner unknown.
Notice the coprion bell. This is the coprion version of the 15A Director.
The 17A Director should be about 17" long, and has bottom spring valves, and was built between 1961 and at least 1968. Late models 18A closely resemble the 17A in that they have the same valves, valve caps and the straight braces as opposed to the early 18A's diagonal braces. It has been pointed out to me how to tell the difference: the position of the bell brace with respect to the leadpipe finger hook. On the 14A/18A that bell brace is right next to the finger hook. On the 15A/17A the brace is an inch or so towards the bell. The 17A has a #2½ bore, which is 0.484".
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:
The [15A and 17A are the] most widely used cornets in beginning band programs. Acoustically designed to
allow students to "center in" on notes more easily and to be free blowing. 15A has brass bell; 17A has a
Coprion bell for darker, more centered tone. Many Conn exclusive features, including Lustre-Conn, slotted
bottom valve caps, telescopic right angle braces, calibore design. Length 16 11/16". Bell 4¾".