Re: Conn Vintage Alto Sax
You have a Conn New Wonder Series II C-Melody Tenor in Two Tone matt and polished Silver Plate, with a Gold Washed interior bell finish. The Series II Conns are more often referred to by their nickname "Chu Berry" horns (after the famous Tenor saxophonist of the 1920's and 30's, Leon Chew or "Chu" Berry). The "C" does indeed stand for C-Melody, and their should also be a H or L below the serial number to indicate a high or low pitch of the horn. You want to have a Low pitch to match the current standard concert pitch of A=440. The serial number puts the manufacture date of the horn between 1924 (The first year of manufacture for the Series II New Wonders) and 1925. The 1914 Patent date is for the Haynes drawn tone hole process used on the horn (as opposed to soldered tone holes used on Kings, Martins, and several other makes).
Ralph Morgan, Runyon, Beechler and a few other mouthpiece makers offer a contemporary C-Melody mouthpiece utilizing the Bb Tenor reed, all of which are good pieces.
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