Saxophone Forum


by yzl311
(6 posts)
11 years ago

Need information on a new purchase

Can anybody provide information on a Conn Shooting Star with a serial number 686732? This is all the information I've got. I am wondering about its history and quality. Thanks.

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  1. by GFC
    (842 posts)

    11 years ago

    Re: Need information on a new purchase

    Made in 1958.  The Director "shooting star" horns of that era were very good student horns made in Elkhart, Indiana.  They took a couple of steps down in quality in the middle and late 1960s, when production was moved to Nogales, Arizona and eventually Mexico.

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    1. by yzl311
      (6 posts)

      11 years ago

      Re: Need information on a new purchase

      Thanks. Excuse me for asking, but what is the difference between the student and pro horns? Is it the structure of the instrument or additional notes?

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      1. by GFC
        (842 posts)

        11 years ago

        Re: Need information on a new purchase

        You actually asked a very good question.  Student and pro horns from any given era have the same basic fingering and range, but the keywork and body construction tend to be more refined on the pro horns.  The differences between student and pro horns tend to become more significant as the player's technique and tonal strength develop.  But sometimes there is very little tonal difference between the student and pro models produced by the same company.  IMHO there is very little tonal difference between the student and top line horns produced by Conn in 1958.  The top line horns sound more like the student horns than the top line horns produced just a few years before.  The differences are more refined, up to date keywork and details of the neck design on the top line horn.  

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