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I recently purchased a 1970 Conn 7M Alto (Mexico) from www.2ndending.com
This really is a fabulous saxophone. It's a pro spec horn from Conn's Mexico factory w/ the same bore geometry as the vaunted 6M. The action is quite slick with a "modernized" LH pinky table and the bell keys on the right side. It's different from the Selmer-style keywork I am used to, but actually very comfortable and fast.
Some claim these instruments are prone to falling apart. Not this example. It has as sturdy of a build quality that I have seen on any saxophone. I do not expect anything to fall off, unless I throw the horn across the room.
Paired with my new Warburton EF .085" mpc, I can finally get the tone I have been aiming for the last couple of years. The intonation is excellent (seriously.) The scale is very even up and down. Also, the dynamic range is EXTREMELY wide. I can get a variety of tones from this horn, which is of course a strong suit of the Conn saxes, and this particular case is no different. The tone is very broad & dark, but brightens very nicely when pushed. This is a very powerful Alto.
Verdict: The 7M is a very cheap route to the classic Conn Alto sound.
*Do not be swayed by those that say these Mexican Conns are all pieces of junk. The quality of my 7M proves to me that this is merely an urban legend.
Many thanks to SOTW member JayeSF for hooking me up with my "new" favorite Alto!!! :mrgreen:
This really is a fabulous saxophone. It's a pro spec horn from Conn's Mexico factory w/ the same bore geometry as the vaunted 6M. The action is quite slick with a "modernized" LH pinky table and the bell keys on the right side. It's different from the Selmer-style keywork I am used to, but actually very comfortable and fast.
Some claim these instruments are prone to falling apart. Not this example. It has as sturdy of a build quality that I have seen on any saxophone. I do not expect anything to fall off, unless I throw the horn across the room.
Paired with my new Warburton EF .085" mpc, I can finally get the tone I have been aiming for the last couple of years. The intonation is excellent (seriously.) The scale is very even up and down. Also, the dynamic range is EXTREMELY wide. I can get a variety of tones from this horn, which is of course a strong suit of the Conn saxes, and this particular case is no different. The tone is very broad & dark, but brightens very nicely when pushed. This is a very powerful Alto.
Verdict: The 7M is a very cheap route to the classic Conn Alto sound.
*Do not be swayed by those that say these Mexican Conns are all pieces of junk. The quality of my 7M proves to me that this is merely an urban legend.
Many thanks to SOTW member JayeSF for hooking me up with my "new" favorite Alto!!! :mrgreen: