This is a beautiful vintage Conn-O-Sax. This sax was made by C.G. Conn and is considered to be one of the rarest and most collectible saxophones ever produced. It has a rich, vibrant, resonant sound and a solid center, not too spread, It was made in 1929 and the serial number is 224648.
This Conn-O-Sax appears to have an interesting past. The lacquer appears to be original, but I have found small traces of silver-plating on some of the keys and a few posts. That leads me to believe that at some point it was silver plated. However, since the lacquer color is correct, and all of the markings are in such excellent condition, it may have been stripped at the factory for someone who wanted a lacquer sax. We may never know. Before being listed on eBay in July of 2014 the owner of this sax purchased it in Baltimore, MD in 1965. He purchased it in it's current condition, and has not played it for a long time. The prior history is unknown.
Approximately 65% of the lacquer is remaining. The lacquer has worn quite evenly throughout the sax. There are no major dents, except for a tiny ding here and there, and very little soldering. The receiver and the two octave key guides at the top of the sax have been resoldered, but not due to any damage, and also the post at the top of the low B/Bb keys. Other than that, the sax is in very good condition. Pads are older Conn reso pads and are still in good condition. This sax was personally set up and adjusted by Paul Maslin of PM Woodwind Repair, Inc. The sax has the original neck and the original case. It does not have the original mouthpiece.
This saxophone is pitched in the key of F. It has a range from high G down to low A. It also has the nail file G# key. Each high note from high D to high G has a corresponding palm key. The low A key is next to the right hand thumb hook. It is hard to describe exactly how this instrument sounds because it is so different from other saxophones. It also plays extremely well in tune. To hear how it actually sounds, please go to this video on YouTube to see Chris Potter playing this Conn-O-Sax https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21u-bCvShYc
Manufacturer: | C.G. CONN |
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Model: | Conn-O-Sax |
Date Manufactured: | 1929 |
Serial: | 224648 |
Contributed By: | eBay |