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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Conn Saxophones / What do you think of a 122xxx alto?

Yoni
User ID: 9321503 Nov 13th 12:00 PM
Hi! I had an opportunity to try out a Conn alto, number 122xxx. They told me at the shop that it was a Chu Berry, but this number places it a fair bit earlier I think. It had rolled tone holes (neat) and that strange (to me at least) G# trill key, but no microtuner. It had been engraved, but the lacquer was too worn to really make it out. What do you think of this vintage?

I was impressed by the nice open and powerful upper register, and very responsive lower register. And the action was surprisingly good. Now I understand what the Conn rave is about.

But, they were asking the equivalent of almost $2000. It was in excellent repair, but it still seems a bit high from what I've read here, right? Also, I'm concerned about getting a horn so old.

Jawzzz
User ID: 9704903 Nov 13th 12:55 PM
Hey Yoni,

You're right about the vintage. This is what Conn called their "New Wonder". The one in question should have the smooth G# pinky and forked Eb as well as a couple other goodies.

I have a 122xxx alto in satin silver finish in almost perfect condition except for a BB sized ding on the back of the bell near the bell brace. Mine has the microtuner neck (although I'm still looking for a straight neck if anyone has one). I bought it with a fresh overhaul about 5 years ago for 1400.00 USD. I really love this horn. It's great for jazz section and combo work and I just started playing it in my community band last year and it holds it's own playing legit as well. It can blow the doors off of anyone in any of my groups. The horn has unbelievable projection. Intonation is respectable albeit quirky some times, but it's probably me more than the horn (note to self: must practice long tones).

You definitely want to find a large round chamber MPC for these horns. I play a Meyer 5 and it works well. I'm considering a JodyJazz as a second MPC. In all, they are very good horns. Solidly build and generally underrated. I would advise you to look on e-bay though as there are always a handful of these great horns available. $2000 bucks seems a little high though so do your market research.

Klurg aaj
User ID: 2400254 Nov 14th 6:42 AM
I think the reason they have not caught on is because they are made by Oompa Loompahs. For some reason, there is still a lot of Loompah- related hostility out there in the saxophone community. Perhaps this will change as the world matures.
We can only hope so...

Dave Dolson
User ID: 9209903 Nov 14th 11:45 AM
Klurg: Huh?

Yoni: I recently picked up a nice Conn "Chu" alto (serial 156xxx) - microtuner, fingernail-file G#, rolled tone holes, re-padded by the store, and a previously-done gold re-plate with silver keywork, at a retail store (expect a higher price) for $1200.00 (a trade and some cash).

But oh MY what a voice!! I'm using a HR Meyer 6S-Medium chamber piece on it (with a Rovner lig to reduce the resonance somewhat - it really vibrates when I play it - a terrific sound). I played it next to a new Yamaha 62 and silver Custom, a nice MK VI, and a newer Conn (circa 1948). The Conn I bought was far superior to anything else they had, and the equal of my silver Buescher TT, MK VI, Cigar Cutter, and Yana A992. If the horn plays in tune, I wouldn't be concerned about its age. The price you quoted seemed high to me, though. DAVE

Yoni User ID: 9321503	Nov 13th 12:00 PM Hi! I had an opportunity to try out a Conn alto, number 122xxx. They told me at the shop that it was a Chu Berry, but this number places it a fair bit earlier I think. It had rolled tone holes (neat) and that strange (to me at least) G# trill key, but no microtuner. It had been engraved, but the lacquer was too worn to really make it out. What do you think of this vintage? I was impressed by the nice open and powerful upper register, and very responsive lower register. And the action was surprisingly good. Now I understand what the Conn rave is about. But, they were asking the equivalent of almost $2000. It was in excellent repair, but it still seems a bit high from what I've read here, right? Also, I'm concerned about getting a horn so old.
Jawzzz User ID: 9704903	Nov 13th 12:55 PM Hey Yoni, You're right about the vintage. This is what Conn called their "New Wonder". The one in question should have the smooth G# pinky and forked Eb as well as a couple other goodies. I have a 122xxx alto in satin silver finish in almost perfect condition except for a BB sized ding on the back of the bell near the bell brace. Mine has the microtuner neck (although I'm still looking for a straight neck if anyone has one). I bought it with a fresh overhaul about 5 years ago for 1400.00 USD. I really love this horn. It's great for jazz section and combo work and I just started playing it in my community band last year and it holds it's own playing legit as well. It can blow the doors off of anyone in any of my groups. The horn has unbelievable projection. Intonation is respectable albeit quirky some times, but it's probably me more than the horn (note to self: must practice long tones). You definitely want to find a large round chamber MPC for these horns. I play a Meyer 5 and it works well. I'm considering a JodyJazz as a second MPC. In all, they are very good horns. Solidly build and generally underrated. I would advise you to look on e-bay though as there are always a handful of these great horns available. $2000 bucks seems a little high though so do your market research.
Klurg aaj User ID: 2400254	Nov 14th 6:42 AM I think the reason they have not caught on is because they are made by Oompa Loompahs. For some reason, there is still a lot of Loompah- related hostility out there in the saxophone community. Perhaps this will change as the world matures. We can only hope so...
Dave Dolson User ID: 9209903	Nov 14th 11:45 AM Klurg: Huh? Yoni: I recently picked up a nice Conn "Chu" alto (serial 156xxx) - microtuner, fingernail-file G#, rolled tone holes, re-padded by the store, and a previously-done gold re-plate with silver keywork, at a retail store (expect a higher price) for $1200.00 (a trade and some cash). But oh MY what a voice!! I'm using a HR Meyer 6S-Medium chamber piece on it (with a Rovner lig to reduce the resonance somewhat - it really vibrates when I play it - a terrific sound). I played it next to a new Yamaha 62 and silver Custom, a nice MK VI, and a newer Conn (circa 1948). The Conn I bought was far superior to anything else they had, and the equal of my silver Buescher TT, MK VI, Cigar Cutter, and Yana A992. If the horn plays in tune, I wouldn't be concerned about its age. The price you quoted seemed high to me, though. DAVE