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by soundphury
(2 posts)
9 years ago

Conn alto ID

Looking for any info about this Conn:

 [URL=http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/soundphury/media/imagejpg1_zpsc1d678da.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r795/soundphury/imagejpg1_zpsc1d678da.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Serial # M155XXX puts it in 1969 as one of the Nogales Conns.
But I'm intrigued by the plastic adjustment screws on this horn, seen here:

 [URL=http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/soundphury/media/imagejpg1_zpsf6fcbe37.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r795/soundphury/imagejpg1_zpsf6fcbe37.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

The instrument also has what appear to be some pretty cheap synthetic pads. Whether they are original, I do not know. Also has rolled tone holes.

???

Im wondering if this was some ill-fated late-60s attempt at a really cheap student horn.

Any thoughts? Specifically what this horn might have been called (model name)? 

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  2. by GFC
    (842 posts)
    9 years ago

    Re: Conn alto ID

    That is far, far from being a cheap student horn!  The serial number puts its manufacture date at 1925.  In Conn's old scheme, the "M" prefix to the serial number designated that it was a saxophone, for company records.  Later, Conn went to a letter prefix + 5 digit numbering scheme, which is a source of confusion because of the recycled "M." The model name is "New Wonder."  It is referred to as a New Wonder Series II because of improvements to design and construction put in place shortly before this horn was built.  They are also referred to a "Chu Berry" horns after the famous saxophone player who supposedly played one.  It's well worth keeping in top playing condition.  Rather demanding, but also very rewarding horns to play.  The only drawback is the lacquier, which looks very nice and well done, but diminishes the value of the horn because it is not an origiinal feature.

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    1. by soundphury
      (2 posts)
      9 years ago

      Re: Conn alto ID

      I agree with all that. I think it was the laquer that fooled me into not looking critically at the serial #.

      But I'm still (rather obsessively) intrigued by the white plastic adjustment screws (I've never seen those on any other New Wonders), as well as the synthetic pads.

      thanks for your reply! 

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      1. by GFC
        (842 posts)
        9 years ago

        Re: Conn alto ID

        The screws are a custom mod.  The idea has merit if implemented right.

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