C-Melody Deserves an A+

[MJ]

I recently acquired a Conn C-Melody and am very happy, indeed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10184&item=7391189381

This sax needed nothing when I got it, only a mouthpiece search from altos and tenors in my possession. I settled on a no-name tenor mouthpiece and am really liking what this sax does in terms of rich, earthy tone and ease in any range. What fun! Not too small, not too big--the c-melody got it just right!

Just had to honk about the C-mel.

[M Exner]

MJ - The sax looks great! The finish is beautiful. It seems you got a good price for it also. Just curious... I'm used to seeing a bent neck similar to that of a tenor sax for the C melody. The sax does look bigger that an alto, but it's hard to get scale from these close pictures. I guess you've already tested it. Mike

[MJ]

Yes, Mike, the price was right--a "tenor" ready to go, for less than the price of an overhaul, so I bit on the EBay BIN. I have an old Malerne tenor in the corner, needing an overhaul, and saw buying this C-mel as a quick fix for getting a playable tenor.

I didn't do much research before buying this C-mel, other than this forum (Conn straight-neck arguably the best C-mel) and SAXPIX to verify the finish of this sax, which was an option. The enamel is more like 95 percent, with a slight dent in bow bottom and a few dings here and there. I don't think this sax was ever played much, it's in really nice condition.

My opinion, this Chu C-mel is more bang for the buck than the Chu alto I had for a while, a keeper. True, the thumbhook and straight neck make for "holding" adjustments, but it feels great and sounds real nice and substantial. A fully operational vintage sax for $300 is quite the bargain.

[Captain Beeflat]

C Tenors are very useful & highly under-rated instruments....the two I have are equally as good as their Bb & Eb siblings.....at a fraction of the price.......someday some enterprising soul will catch on.

[Captain Beeflat]

Probably the most comprehensive (and amusing) site for C Melody (C Tenor) saxophones is www.cmelodysax.co.uk

[cmelodysax]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the majority of C-melody (and C-Soprano) saxes, as long as you are realistic. As with other 20's saxes, there may be the odd intonation issue, often solved by trying a selection of alto/tenor mouthpieces (or even a specific modern C-Mel mouthpiece) until a sensible chamber size is found. And because of the design, often output levels may be a little lower than tenor or alto.

But, they are a useful instrument, and currently you can pick several for the price of one equivalent vintage alto or tenor - if you're willing and able to do your own overhauls or adjustments then it's even better.

Welcome MJ !