Good C melodies?

[GregK101]

Ive been considering a nice second sax. I was curious what brands of c melody are the best. It seems to me that buescher and conn are the most popular. Id like to get one that is easy to get parts for but also plays and sounds really well (guess thats what youd want in most any sax hehe). So what do you C melody players recommend (or anyone that is familiar with them)? Thanks,

Greg

[Dave Dolson]

Greg: You got it . . . Buescher or Conn (and their respective stencils, I suppose). It depends on which style neck you like - and what's available when you buy. I've heard good examples of each and own a Buescher TT myself (wish I had a straight neck, but the TT will suffice - I rarely play it). DAVE

[bruce bailey]

Don't forget the Martins and their stencils (Lyon & Healy, Wurlitzer). The straight neck Conns are probably the most wanted, but I find that the playing position (way out) is too awkward. Conn did make the curved neck ones, but I have not owned one. As far as finding parts, other than sprins, pads and corks, nothing is available however there are so many around cheap, you can just buy a parts horn.

[Roger Aldridge]

Dave,

If you'd like to part with your c-melody in a trade, please see my message about a tenor/c-melody swap in the Equipment section of the Forum. I've been wanting a Buescher c-mel.

Thanks, Roger

[Helen]

I'll give another vote for the straight neck Conn. Great horn. Great sound. Built just as well as their other pro horns of the day. Be aware of some of the lesser quality stencils that were not made by the big 3 (Conn, Buescher, Martin). The quality of those was not as good.

[GregK101]

I would assume you guys mean that the straight neck conns are built with better than the curved necks? Or is it just that the straight neck is more popular with most poeple? Thanks again,

Greg

[bruce bailey]

I think the straight necks just played better and the ones I have had were better in tune. But as I mentioned, the thing is about 2-3" away from the normal holding position.

[Captain Beeflat]

Helen.
You mention the "big three", Conn, Buescher & Martin; surely you mean the "big four", you appear to have ignored King. Beautifully made, as in tune as the others, & just as easy/difficult to play....Bb

[Helen]

Helen.
You mention the "big three", Conn, Buescher & Martin; surely you mean the "big four", you appear to have ignored King. Beautifully made, as in tune as the others, & just as easy/difficult to play....Bb

I may stand corrected. I was referring to only those big US horn companies that made c melodies. I haven't personally seen/played/or even heard of a King c mel. If they did make one, and it was the same quality as their pro horns, than I did mean "big 4".

I love Kings. My first pro horn was a Super 20 tenor. I should not have parted with it. :cry:

[Captain Beeflat]

Helen.....I assure you that King, most emphatically did make C Melodies- I have two of them, both 1925 & one of them gold plated with original white "pillow pads". Beautiful instruments....Regards...Bb

[GregK101]

Yea i see a lot of kings on ebay, they often sell for more than conns and bueshers. Last night i won a conn straight neck, it looked to be the nicest one ive seen on there so far, so i went for it. Cant wait to try it out!

Thanks for all the help in choosing,
Greg

[Helen]

Helen.....I assure you that King, most emphatically did make C Melodies- I have two of them, both 1925 & one of them gold plated with original white "pillow pads". Beautiful instruments....Regards...Bb

Well then I definately have been corrected. Thanks for that. Jeez, just when I thought I was over my GAS....Now I might have to add something else to my "wouldn't it be nice if I had it" list....Thanks Bb :dazed: