[affuman2]

Of course, it was in poor, but rehab-able condition. Needs pads all around, and a low B-Bb guard, although the rods are fine and the action feels responsive. As the story goes, some sap got evicted from his apartment, and left some instruments lying around. The landlord placed the sax in a local coffee shop I frequent. I saw it, he said 'make me an offer', and 60 bucks later I am the proud(?) owner of "Thelma" (I may name her something else).

Did some research after I got home, and learned about the Nogales history of the Conn brand. "Thelma's" serial number is N 59406.

So, to the group...think its worth getting it rehabbed? This would NOT be the primary gigging alto (I use a '43 Buescher Aristocrat), but am curious for external opinions...

Thanks in advance!
-A

 

[segaleon]

For that price? I can't see any reason to regret the buy, regardless of what you end up using it for.

 

[tflanster]

This looks fami

 

[tflanster]

This looks awful familiar. The horn's a 1970/'71 Shooting Stars Director student/beginner model. An overhaul will cost about $300 - 400. Is it worth that? Probably not when you can find them in playing shape for less. It could be a nice lamp though

 

[bruce bailey]

It may be best to just do the bad pads if possible. I may have the B-Bb guard you need.

 

[milandro]

yes, as Bruce says, go to find a sympathetic tech who will only do the work that is strictly necessary to make it playable or otherwise the whole exercise would be pointless since the cost outweighs the value of the horn. Good luck!

 

[EsbSpecial]

I was floored the other night when I was handed a 16m tenor and asked to play (I had only brought my bari to the jam along with a pocketfull of mouthpieces for the "just in case" dealie). Apparently, this thing was kept in good adjustment as it actually sounded really good.

Damn you, late run Conn inconsistancies!

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

The tone isn't usually what most criticize about with these later "Director" model horns. Rather, it is the keywork not staying in adjustment and fit/quality control. YMMV

 

[Gary59]

I have a 1960 Shooting Star, which isn't Mexican, but I bought it for $90.00, put some new pads in it, some cork and felts. I wouldn't get rid of it for anything. It plays nice! You might be surprised-put some pads in and see what happens!

 

[milandro]

Man, if all these horns are that good ..... good for you! Perhaps fortunately but the market doesn't like them, so they are dead cheap. I have seen and played a couple and didn't find them too good either but perhaps we were sent the real junk while the good ones stayed elsewhere. If that's the case and with all due caveats, anyone who is looking for a cheap horn and finds one in playing state (because paying to fix it is mostly pointless) should get one. Knowing full well though, that getting rid of it would be next to impossible if you ever decide to sell it.

 

[affuman2]

Thanks all for the responses! I may just repad the really bad ones and see what happens. You never know!

-A