A C- melody soprano is rare and very collectable, not good to play in a school band though, but for a soloist in others scenarios it could be something different, their sound is great if you find the right settings for your self, I own a Conn stencil C melody and it rocks on a blues and jazz, plus you can use it from vocal's written parts and do some adjustments to create great solos without having to transport. This instruments are very flexible, so if you find the right price for the overhaul I would do it, unless you plan to only play in a school band.