New Horn

[blacktenorsax]

I'm currently own a Conn 10M but in horrible condition. I'm looking for a new student model saxophone and I've found a Prestini for $500. This probably isn't a good idea but I was wondering about the quality of Prestini horns.

ANY SUGGESTIONS are appreaciated :)

blacktenorsax

[SAXISMYAXE]

I'll be the first to ask the obvious question:
Why on earth don't you take that $500.00 and put into fixing up the 10M? Regardless of opinions on the Prestini horns (which I can tell you will range from "pretty good" to "acceptable" to "junk"), it isn't going to come anywhere near the level of a Conn 10M put into good mechanical order.

[BarrySachs]

I'll be the first to ask the obvious question:
Why on earth don't you take that $500.00 and put into fixing up the 10M? Regardless of opinions on the Prestini horns (which I can tell you will range from "pretty good" to "acceptable" to "junk"), it isn't going to come anywhere near the level of a Conn 10M put into good mechanical order.

I second the motion. Provided it is a pre-war rolled tonehole type 10M. If it is one of the UMI "MexiConns" don't bother. For $500 you can find an older 10M "New Wonder" or "Chu Berry" as they are often called. It may require an overhaul but it will be a great horn with a sound. These newer cheap-*** horns are drek. The metal is so jive you can wrap your sandwich in them.

[SAXISMYAXE]

The 10M model horn was never manufactured in Nogales Arizona/Mexico and is thus impossible that even post 1947 non rolled tone hole 10m/6ms could be catagoriezed as "Mexi/Conns". When Conn started to shift production to the Nogales Best Manufacturing facility in the early 60's, it was mainly for the student line of horns (Director-14m/16m) as it relates to saxophones. By 1970 and the selling of Conn to Crowell-Collier Macmilllan (1969), Conn ceased making pro horns. The 10M/6M/11-12M horns were always manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana and were considered Conn's pro line of horns throughout it's existance.
These later Conn 10m/6ms are good players and good value for money "sleeper" horns.

[BarrySachs]

The 10M model horn was never manufactured in Nogales Arizona/Mexico and is thus impossible that even post 1947 non rolled tone hole 10m/6ms could be catagoriezed as "Mexi/Conns". When Conn started to shift production to the Nogales Best Manufacturing facility in the early 60's, it was mainly for the student line of horns (Director-14m/16m) as it relates to saxophones. By 1970 and the selling of Conn to Crowell-Collier Macmilllan (1969), Conn ceased making pro horns. The 10M/6M/11-12M horns were always manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana and were considered Conn's pro line of horns throughout it's existance.
These later Conn 10m/6ms are good players and good value for money "sleeper" horns.

Ok, so the later 12M baritone with the low "A" extention grafted onto the bell is NOT a "MexiConn"? There is a cat in NYC with one of these and he calls it a "MexiConn".

-Andy

[SAXISMYAXE]

Tell him that he has an Elkhart made horn, not a Mexi/Conn. I think this is one time when someone will actually be relieved to be proved wrong! ;)