This is an excellent vintage C.G. Conn bass saxophone, serial number 100523. This instrument dates back to 1922, and is in remarkable condition, both for its age and for being a bass sax!
This sax still has well over 95% lacquer remaining. Its hard to know if its the original lacuer or not. To our knowledge, Conn did not start lacquering their horns until about 1925. This may have originally been a raw brass instrument that was later sent back to the factory for lacquering. Or its also possible that it was manufactured in 1922 and stamped with the respective serial number and then assembled later in production after Conn started using lacquer. In any event, there are no runs in the lacquer or other signs of it having ever been buffed or relacquered. The stamping is 100% intact and the lacquer type is the old cellulose "air bake" type lacquer used by Conn in the late 1920's and into the 1950's.
There are a few minor dings and dimples, as can be expected on a bass, but it has never taken a serious hit. Both the bottom bow and the upper crook are in remarkable condition. While harboring a few dings here and there, it shows no evidence of any major past damage repair. The bell flare is also in great condition having never been bent. There is some resolder work, mostly on a couple keyguards, as seen in the pictures. This horn does have rolled tone holes. Fortunately, they are in excellent condition and have never been filed. It does come with the original neck which is in excellent condition.
While you'll need some air to play this monster instrument, its surprisingly free-blowing. There's just nothing more resonant than playing low Bb on a bass sax, what a sound!!
Manufacturer: | C.G. CONN |
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Model: | New Wonder -series I |
Date Manufactured: | 1922 - 1923 |
Serial: | 100523 |
Contributed By: | saxquest.com |