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Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by Mithrandir on 10/14/2025, 3:25 pm

I'm having a hard time tuning my sousaphones. We have Conn 20k (silver if that matters). If I tune the B-flat then the F is extremely(~40c) flat. Anyone else have this issue or know a trick? I thought it was the student, but I tried it too and same thing. I've gone between 2 and 3 bits as well. I'm out of ideas.

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by CutTimeBandInstrumentRepair on 10/17/2025, 9:15 am, in reply to "Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

Know issue that Conn is unwilling to resolve. Tune Bflat and tune F with 1and3. Check your bits and lower mouthpipe too, any damage will blow the tuning.

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by Same on 10/15/2025, 9:15 am, in reply to "Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

I don't have an answer, just want to commiserate. We bought new Conn sousaphones this year and are having the same problems. I've also had several pop solder joints already, and the silver plate is peeling off of one. I'm about done with Conn-Selmer products.

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by Respectfully on 10/16/2025, 8:00 am, in reply to "Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

Conn-Selmer has gone steadily downhill in quality in the past twenty years and steadily up in costs. Ever since they moved the majority of their manufacturing overseas they've not been worth the money they charge.

Not to say overseas manufacturers can't do a good job - they absolutely can. But C-S hasn't quite gotten the balance.

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by Flaky on 10/15/2025, 4:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

I encourage you to contact the dealer/retailer that you bought the sousaphones from. That is a problem that is due to a terrible decision to lacquer bright plate sousas so they would look like satin silver instead of producing the finish the correct way.. Conn-Selmer should replace those. my .02

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by Welp on 10/15/2025, 8:18 am, in reply to "Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

This doesn't help you, but let me latch on to the conversation: My Yamaha Sousaphones are playing EXTREMELY sharp. They use the same amount of bits as they have the last couple of years. Anyone have any advice for this?

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by Me on 10/15/2025, 7:45 am, in reply to "Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

If F is flat when you tune the Bb, there may be a mechanical issue with the horn. Check to make sure there's nothing stuffed in the tubing and that there's no leaks or cracks.

By the overtone series and physics, F should be slightly *sharp* when you tune a Bb.

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by Mithrandir on 10/15/2025, 10:41 am, in reply to "Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

That's a good point I will check for leaks. I've already replaced a neck because it was leaking.
The physics is what baffles me too.

Re: Conn Sousaphone Tuning

Posted by really retired on 10/14/2025, 9:35 pm, in reply to "Conn Sousaphone Tuning "

could try using 1 & 3 assuming I am picking the correct F. Someone is going to mention checking the slides

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