First manufactured in 1937, the Conn 8D is a horn that quickly established itself as one of the top models for professional hornists in America. Especially renown for its prominent role in , the Conn 8D has a distinctive tone quality that counters what its evangelists consider the more stuffy . If you hear a big silky, soaring horn line in the next big block buster film, chances are it was played on an 8D.Horn players generally agree that the earlier "Elkhart" models--manufactured in Elkhart Indiana between 1937 and 1969--are of superior quality, especially compared to those made in Texas from 1970 to 1986. And that the newer versions, while improved over Texas-made models, don't quite compare. But you'll be increasingly hard pressed to find an Elkhart model in good working condition. Whether due to these manufacturing changes or general shifts in taste, the Conn 8D is starting to lose some of its stature in the American horn world -- with many players moving to custom-made Geyer horns at the professional level. But it still has its hardcore loyalists and remains one of the most popular American horns.