16M Tenor good or not?? Please help!!

[lisag9743]

I am trying out a 16M Conn Tenor serial #H16818. Can anyone tell me if this is a good one or not?? I currently play on a Yamaha student model tenor(yuck) and would like to upgrade. Would the Conn be an upgrade or should I keep looking?? Also, if it is a good one, any idea on it's worth?
The guy selling it has no idea either, so I am trying to do the research before I offer him any money. Thanks for any help anyone can give me on this!! Lisa

[Mike W]

The older Conn 16ms are pretty good horns with a great tone. Mine was made in about 1957. The H in the serial number you reported confuses me. Mine is serial number 707xxx with no letters prefixed before the numbers. Do you know what year the 16m you are looking at was made? Basically, I suggest you not pay very much as it is probably? a later student model tenor (I suspect mine would sell for no more than $500--It is not for sale though) and try the horn to see if you like it. Hopefully someone who knows more will post.

[john]

lisag- You hold the answer to your question in your hands. I'm a simple guy. I think a horn is "good" if it:
1) Feels good under my fingers
2) Plays well with good intonation
3) Has the sound I'm looking for
4) Is in a price range I'm willing to live with (if I'm buying).

Now- the 16M is basically a 10M body with different keywork. Older is generally believed to be "better" because the workmanship seemed better and the intonation seemed better. But like any other horn there are good ones and bad ones. I have both a 16M and a 10M. Love them both. The 16M is an early '50s with wire keyguards. Plays almost as well as the 10M. It's ugly and worn(no dents!)- I use it for outdoor gigs. I love the sound.

In short if you like the way this thing sounds and it feels good to you ignore everyone else (including me) and buy it. Play it and enjoy it. I wouldn't pay more than $300 unless it's absolutely perfect with new pads and recent overhaul and has been checked out by an independent reputable tech. These are NOT rare horns.

keep honkin'

john

[Howlin]

Hope you got on ok. If you haven't bought it yet be careful - that H may be for High pitch...... see saxgourmet.com for more

[Dave dix]

The H is for year of manufacture and not for high pitch
H is for 1966
Dave

[Dave dix]

Also ,i think, a 16m from that year might be called a directors model ?
If so it is deemed as an intermediate model but,neverless, still a good horn.Try it,offer a lower price,if any good, and enjoy!!!!
Dave