Conn 17B Director
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".