question on c mel

[cantquit]

Hi everyone;
I am knew to this forum and have a question on an old c-mel I've had for many years. The problem is that I bought it at a pawn shop 25 years ago but didn't start playing a sax until a year ago. However, I'm learning on an old martin tenor...not the c mel.

I don't know if the c mel is worth having restored/overhauled. It is a silver "Grand Opera" made in Elkart, Indiana with a serial number of p19823.

Any insight from anyone regarding whether I should have this c-mel overhauled or whatever will be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance ,

cantquit

[SAXISMYAXE]

Without seeing the horn, or at the very least a few good photos, it is impossible for me to give you anything but the most basic info. However, with the "P" prefix to the serial number, it is most likely a CONN stencil horn.

Thousands of these were made by Conn with various other makers names, as well as that of music stores etc. engraved on them. This is what we collectors mean when using the term "stencil".

It is likely a Conn Wonder, or maybe NewWonder I model, as most Conn Stencils of the 1920's (the heyday decade of the C-Melody) are these models, although I am unable to say for sure given the scant info provided.

Just a few years ago, if you were to ask if a C-Melody, any make/model C-Melody was worth overhauling/restoring, I would say "Absolutely not!". However interest in these previously antiquated C-horns has begun to enjoy a renaissance recently, and the values have correspondingly risen. Are we talking a repad and adjustment, or a complete restoration project here? You will still be paying more into the horn than you are likely to get back if your goal is to sell the instrument, but if you would like a nice playing horn out of the deal, you could make worse mistakes.

If you would like to post a photo(s) of the horn, we can be of more help.
Welcome to the world of the Saxophone, by the way.:D

[bradshawm]

My recent experiences lead me to believe that unless you have a very rare in-demand horn, you will probably pay less for a recently refurbushed horn with new pads and the works, than you will to have yours rebuilt. The drawback is that when you buy one that has supposedly been rebuilt, you rarely have any way of knowing who did it and how good of a job they did until you get your hands on the horn. The upside to doing it yourself, is you can choose the technician and ensure that when it is done you will have an excellent playing instrument. I'm not an expert, but I would say that for a C-melody, unless the finish is 99%+, there are no dents or solder points, no pitting, etc, it is not worth it price wise. I have seen several C-mels in excellent shape go for $400 on E-bay. A rebuild of Pads, corks, etc, without any dent or finish work will be a minimum of $450 - $500. And, the more reputable the technician, the more expensive the rebuild.

Good luck

[Roger Aldridge]

Be advised that if you invest your money in this horn with an overhaul that it's market value as a stencil will not be as much as that of a non-stencil model. I, personally, would (following Brad's good advice) look around for other c-melodies before investing much money in this horn. See what your options are and then decide. As a rule of thumb, stencils tend to be lower quality than non-stencils. Never the less, one of the best c-melodies I've come across -- in terms of intonation and sound -- was a Buescher stencil.

[stitch]

it is most likely a CONN stencil horn.

I also have a Grand Opera C-mel that's definitely a Conn.

[cantquit]

many thanks to all of you for responding with your considerable insights and for taking the time to give good advice!

My motive is not really for reselling the instrument but for playing it and it sounds like it is sort of a toss up as to whether to have it fixed or maybe try to find another c-mel already playable.

Would anyone recommend aquiring a book and maybe taking a shot at fixing a saxophone myself? Or is the home mechanic/can do fix it yourself mentality dangerous on saxophones?

thanks again!

[CMelodyMan]

Be advised that if you invest your money in this horn with an overhaul that it's market value as a stencil will not be as much as that of a non-stencil model. I, personally, would (following Brad's good advice) look around for other c-melodies before investing much money in this horn. There are some great pro model C Melodies. Not sure how much you're willing to invest, but some of these (http://www.cmelodysax.co.uk/saxophones/saxes-for-sale.htm#marker0) look like good buys. If I had the money I'd almost instantly buy that The Martin.:D , but I don't.:(

[CMelodyMan]

You might also find something good by posting in the Marketplace. Also check eBay, as they are starting to get more and more good C Melodies on there every day.

[cmelodysax]

Cmelodyman - thanks for the link to my site, but you'd have to dig up my coffin to get that Martin - it's something else, never seen the like on ebay since. It's going into the ground with me, just in case there's an afterlife - what would I do without a C-Mel...?

Cantquit - if you can afford to, get the C-mel fixed up just enough to play, if that's possible (unless everything really is shot) - you'll enjoy it, I promise !

[bruce bailey]

I have a Martin stencil C (Wurlitzer) and I got it on ebay for $86 and it only needed one pad and an hour of adjustment so they ARE out there. Keep in mind that it costs the same to overhaul a top line horn as it does a cheapie. I look for ones with a good finish and do a repad as the finish can be costly if you don't like playing an ugly horn.

[CMelodyMan]

I have a Martin stencil C (Wurlitzer) and I got it on ebay for $86 and it only needed one pad and an hour of adjustment so they ARE out there. Yep. It just takes the buyer time and effort to find that once-in-a-lifetime deal.

[saxmong]

Personally I don't like waste!
You have a sax, you need some pads!

You can get a pad set from Music medic for $29
Some people will charge you $400 for an overhaul.
there's a shop in Houston that'll do it for @$80.

If you want a careful job done I hear Doc Fraser is careful.

A sax that is not played is not a musical instrument!