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Vintage 1931 CG Conn Transitional Alto Saxophone Recent Overhaul Re-lacquered 6M

$ 712.8

Availability: 61 in stock
  • Exact Year: 1931
  • Bundle Description: With case and 2 mouthpieces
  • Body Finish: Clear Lacquer
  • Key Finish: Brass
  • Custom Bundle: Yes
  • Skill Level: Professional
  • Brand: Conn
  • Model: Transitional
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Condition: Professional horn that has been recently (past 5 years) restored by previous owner with re-lacquer, new pads, and cork. Tuned by local music store in the past week. Plays great. As with any item of this age it may have original patina or slight imperfections that do not effect the performance of this wonderful horn. Some engraving buffed in but readable. C.G. Conn LTD. is visible on the bell. Please see all pictures and video and ask all questions prior to bidding. Professionally tuned 11/4/2022 (see receipt)
  • Body Material: Brass

    Description

    Truly amazing C.G. Conn Transitional 6M alto saxophone serial number M249051 (which places it at the end of the 1931 manufacture year).  If you are looking for a ready-to-play professional vintage saxophone this is your chance.  Rolled tone holes!  This instrument sounds amazing.  This horn has recently (past 5 years) been restored by previous owner with new pads, cork, lacquer, etc.  Comes with case (in great condition), 2 mouthpieces (Brilhart #2, and unmarked).  Professionally tuned 11/4/2022 (see receipt)
    This 249k is a transitional Conn between the New Wonder II (‘Chu Berry’) and the 6M (‘Artist’) models. It is a true transitional in every sense, and is almost half NWII and half 6M. These special alto saxophones have a tone and set of features found nowhere else, and that makes them especially great in several ways. The bore still feels more like a NWII to play, so the tone is wider and wilder than the later 6M’s (which are also great, but are more focused and a bit less wild). The neck is like a 6M, so you get the improved intonation that ‘slots in’ better – NWII’s have good intonation as well, but it is more flexible than the 6M versions. The bell keys have moved around to the left, but the left hand spatula keys retain their NWII shape, but with improved mechanics. No saxophone has an easier or more direct feel on the low B and Bb that this version of Conn. It’s nice and light and fast, though you don’t have anything like modern ergonomics on those keys, of course. The regular main stack keywork is already mostly updated to the fast and comfortable 6M design. That is very good keywork, and is hardly improved upon in modern horns, so this is a very comfortable horn to play.
    Tonally, these late transitional 6M’s are an
    ideal
    choice for big band or jazz band lead alto. They have almost unlimited projection or ‘carrying power’ as the old advertizements put it. And the tone stays strong and cohesive no matter how much you push it. It’s just a joy to hear one of these in full song. Marhsall Royale and the Basie band all played Conns like this, as did Charlie Parker for a while (among many other horns). You see them commonly in clubs in NYC and all over Europe.
    NOTE:  This instrument is nearly one hundred years old and has wonderful sound and character typical of "Big Band" Conn's of that era.  That being said this horn is likely NOT for an amateur saxophonist as typical character
    idiosyncrasies
    such as microtuner turning/ tuning, are original with this instrument.  If you are not familiar with how to play older saxophones please understand what you are getting into.  If you are a professional saxophonist you know what I'm talking about.  The attached video is of the saxophone being played by a professional jazz musician.
    If you have any questions at all please ask them PRIOR to bidding.
    Please see all pictures and video. I am not the original owner as this instrument is an estate sale find.
    Thank you and good luck.