Conn 28B Connstellation
Date: 1950, Owned by Steve Hanson. Photo courtesy Paul Ayick.
The Connstellation 28B has a first slide trigger like the later Connstellation 38B. It has nickel trim, but isn't nickel plated like the 38B. The Connstellation 28B has a slightly smaller bell at 5" as opposed to 5 1/8" for the later 38B, and is a #1½ (0.459") bore in stead of the 38B's #1 (0.438") bore. In an interesting quirk, the first valve slide is a 0.480" bore, a feature it shares with the (post-war) 2B New World Symphony and the 8B Symphony Grand. This might also explain where Conn derived the model number: 2B+8B=28B. The 28B Connstellation was produced from 1949 through 1955.
A discussion on the Trumpet Herald forum gives this piece of information: "Around 1952 the position of the braces changed. Pre-1952 the bell brace was behind the tuning slide brace. After 1952 this configuration was reversed so that it was ahead. The leadpipe was moved a bit further downstream. Perhaps this was done to shorten the overall length of the horn so that it fit in the case a little better. It had been a tight wall-to-wall fit and probably caused bell damage when the case was accidently dropped on its end."
What Conn said:
The Connstellation is a brand new trumpet in a medium bore, with large one-piece bell thinned at edge and
a new mouthpipe with a unique taper, resulting in a remarkably solid and compact tone of great resonance.
Although the tone is big and full it has characteristic trumpet brilliance. Tones start with the least effort.
Has just the right amount of resistance for good control.
Complementing the musical excellence of this great new trumpet is Conn's new, patented and exclusive top spring
valve. There's nothing to compare with the Connstellation. Try it and you'll agree!
What Conn said in 1955:
Here's everything the finest trumpet artist can want. Built in medium-large bore, in Bb and A, its uniquely balanced
taper mouthpipe and bell design aids in easy response and accurate intonation, and provides unusual resonance
and flexibility. Precision lapped slides permit instant and accurate adjustment while playing. Patented and exclusive
top spring Clickless Crysteel valves are lightning fast, quiet, positive. Length 21¼" weight 2 pounds, 10 ounces;
bell diameter 5". In beautiful plush lined two tone tan and rawhide vinyl covered case (top grain leather bound), with
mouthpiece and music lyre. Highly polished brass, beautifully nickel trimmed, clear lacquered.