SHould I buy this Conn? What is it likely to be?

[Konrad]

A guy says he has a 10M and wants to sell it for 500 bucks here in Warsaw. Says he doesn't know the model or how old it is...


First question, how is the keywork on Conns? Is it similar to a Yamaha? I have small hands, so this actually makes a difference to me.

Also, please none of the biz about, buy the horn and you'll get used to the keywork. People with big hands love to say this. It's not true.

Second, if it is a newer Conn, what does that mean? I really need a decent, giggable horn that I can use and learn on. I'm an intermediate player that has really battled it out with an old East German Weltklang, and I need something better. Is 500 bucks for a 10m a reasonable price?

K

[Saxaholic]

Depends on the condition. If it's in good condition with barely any dents or dings, and the keywork is half decent, then go for it. You'll probably need to give it an overhaul...or at least some pads and corks and stuff. I've seen 10M's go close for 3k....500 bucks is a great deal if you ask me. They have some of the biggest sounds around, and can be a real joy to play on. I would play it before you buy it....even then, if it doesn't play too well, invest a couple hundred more and Steve Goodson will make it play like a dream for you.

Short and sweet: Buy it.

[mutha potamus]

Before you go any further, what is the serial number? The production year can be determined with it. There was roughly a 35 year production span & there are a few areas where the horn underwent different design changes.

Major changes from the first 10Ms in '35 occur around 1948 when they lost their rolled tone-holes, 1956-57 when it got a double-socket neck & the early 60's with the introduction of a truly underslung octave system. They were eventually phased out in the early '70s when Conn began to pay most of it's attention to it's student line.

Check out www.saxgourmet.com for specific serial number correlation to production years.

$500 (US currency) is a very reasonable price for a 10M, provided that it's in good condition. Play-test the horn & try to get your instructor to try it out too. Any adjustments that need to be made to get it into playing condition should be factored into the price you're willing to pay.

FWIW, I paid roughly $500 for a '57 10M last year. I think I got one helluva deal.

[Konrad]

Now the guy is saying it does not have 10M on the horn. He just thinks that's what it is. I'm trying to get the serial number.

[mutha potamus]

EVERY 10M has the model number stamped with the serial number.

Either this guy has no clue what he's talking about or he's trying to rip you off.

If you can, get pictures of this horn & email them to me at kabaragoya@kgreen.org. I can verify whether it is or not.

I'm getting a feeling that you might be being lied to, so get some verification that this is really in fact a 10M.

[Konrad]

More on the Conn...

"Bartek" wrote that the sax has a serial number, but no model number. It is American-made, he guesses about 10 or 12 years old, and from the serial number he thinks it is a 10M...

???

Does this make any sense? I'm probably going to go take a look at it later.

Konrad

[Pete]

Check out http://www.saxpics.com/conn/m_series1.htm That'll show you pictures of all the various 10M's.

The 10M hasn't been in production since about 1971. Newer Conn tenors are 7 or 9M's, I believe (haven't checked recently).

[earthkin]

I have small hands (for a bari, anyway) too, and the Conn is one of the few brands that I can play easily. (The others are Selmer and maybe Martin and Buescher.) If it is a 1OM, it should be a great horn - I'd love to have the chance to try one out. Just make sure, no matter what, that it's not _post_ 10M, because those horns are crap.

-Wendy