(some corrections and info additions are included)

Some may remember my "review" of the "Wild Thing" a couple of years ago. I would now like to share my opinion of the new Conn Vintage One (V1).

1. I bought one, new.
2. I am impressed with it - fell in love with it at first blow.
3. Story as follows:

Walked into a local UMI, and others, distributor (Brook Mays Pro Shop - Dallas) to help my daughter get replacement drum sticks for the ones she broke. As usual, the employees wondered if I wanted to try any of the new horns they had in the shop. And, as usual, I said, "Yes."

First, I tried the new Connstellation (52B). It was a great horn.  However, it wasn't that much better and the price wasn't justifiable, to me, when compared to my $100 '53 Olds Studio (reburb'd for $200 nearly 5 years ago). So I asked if there was anything else. The young lady (Jan) behind the counter informed me there was a special order horn that was all wrapped up to ship back to UMI. She said it was special ordered 6 month ago, arrived after 4 months, and the guy who ordered it didn't like something about it. I asked what it was, and she told me. I asked if I could just look at it. She went to the manager (Craig), then brought it out for me to try....

It's a gorgeous silver V1 with sterling bell and gold accents (buttons, caps (top/bottom), water key, bell interior). I was almost afraid to touch it. I walked into the "tryout" room and didn't come out for nearly an hour. At first, I played my Olds, then the V1. I didn't pick my Olds up again until I put it back in its case; I didn't want to stop playing the V1....

- very responsive (almost played itself)
- great valve action and speed (much, much better after break-in)
- not heavy (thought it would be w/sterling bell)
- easily shift between warm, dark, bright, sizzling tones
- projection (WOW!)
- BIG, BIG sound
- free-blowin'
- intonation was as good as I've ever heard, in all registers
- and the sound was even better after I installed the heavy bottom caps (also in gold) that came with it (lots of combinations with Conn's modular system)

It's not for everyone, but everyone should try one if they're in the market for a new, pro Bb horn; or just try one anyway. No, it's not cheap. These people cut me a great deal I couldn't refuse.

And, if you were wondering, the guy who ordered it didn't like the "short-stroke" pistons. Funny, he should've known had he done *any* homework on buying any new horn, especially "made-to-order".

Many, many thanks to the folks at Brook Mays, too.  They bent over backwards for me.  They will for you, too.

That's the end of this. I guess I'm no longer wishing for a "Wild Thing". I'm perfectly elated with my new "Vintage One" (I think the factory played all the wrong notes out of it, too ;-)

Richard
aka TLizard