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Conn C Melody question

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OldConnPlayer

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Martin Magna Tenor, King gold plate Voll True Tenor, Buescher Big B alto
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hi, I'm not sure if this is where I should post this question but......

I just picked up a 1923/24 Conn gold plated C Melody, with rolled tone holes that is a one owner pristine time capsule. My grandfather had one that I use to play. I can't remember if we used tenor reeds or alto reeds. What do you suggest? This is absolutely the coolest horn I have ever owned. I can't wait to play it. Also, I don't know how to use the microtuner is there a thread on that here somewhere? It has original pads and a packet of original spares which is neat. It came with a mute, tiny screwdrivers, packages of reeds from different states where he played shows. They are all different brands but made in france. ( I am absolutely not going to use them ewww, I'm sure the reeds must be a germ festival even though some don't look used) and a brass reed protector? Also original leather neck strap and key for the case which is in super shape as well. I don't know if I should have the pads replaced. I'm sure they need it but (1) I don't want anyone to screw it up, and (2) I don't know of any places. I'm no pro. I play stuff from high school which was a loooong time ago, Christmas carols etc..... I know C Melody saxes really don't have much value but this is a sentimental/keeper not a resale horn. Anyone good in Mass or Ct area that could be recommended for a repad that wouldn't rip me off ? Thanks for any advice!
 
Dr G

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paulwl

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#4 ·
I too own a gold '23 Conn C. It's satin finished (is yours satin or bright burnished?) Mine came to me with clearcoat so I have never had to polish it!

This is one of five gold Conns in my possession, the others being a '27 straight soprano, satin; '29 New Wonder transitional alto, burnished, with vignette engraving (two kids carving initials on a tree); '31 6M tranny, satin deco; and '31 tranny tenor, same.
 
OldConnPlayer

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Thank you for the replies and the thread links!

Dr G, I played clarinet from 5th - 12th grade in the orchestra and band. I taught myself to play sax on my grandfather's c melody around 7th grade and played Tenor in the jazz band and marching band 7th - 12th. I played Bari for a couple semesters until they found a player in the jazz band then moved back to Tenor.

paulwl, I'm not sure about the satin or burnished. It's very pretty though. Is it difficult to post photos here? I could take a couple and you could let me know. Your saxes sound lovely.
 
paulwl

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#6 ·
It's not hard to post photos - click Go Advanced under the reply box and you'll see a photo icon.

Satin gold means a sandblast body, with shiny bell inside, engraving and banding.
Burnished gold is shiny thruout, and often more extensively engraved. Top of the line Conns had mother of pearl inlays on all keys and engraving all over the horn.
 
Hornlip

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#12 ·
OldConnPlayer said:
Should I try to clean/polish it with anything or leave it alone? I don't want to ruin it.
Click to expand...
It looks good as is - I would just wipe it down with a soft cloth. Gold doesn't plate to brass easily, but silver does, so they would plate the horn with silver first and than plate gold on top of that, so sometimes the silver will tarnish through the gold. You can use a gentle silver polish like Hagerty's to take care of that kind of thing.

It's very pretty - it does have the neck, doesn't it?
 
OldConnPlayer

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
Hornlip said:
It looks good as is - I would just wipe it down with a soft cloth. Gold doesn't plate to brass easily, but silver does, so they would plate the horn with silver first and than plate gold on top of that, so sometimes the silver will tarnish through the gold. You can use a gentle silver polish like Hagerty's to take care of that kind of thing.

It's very pretty - it does have the neck, doesn't it?
Click to expand...
It does have it's microtuner neck. Thank you for the cleaning advice. The mouthpiece says "Holton" on it. I don't think it's wood but it must have been his favorite because it is really worn.
 
T

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#14 ·
The mouthpiece is just really really old hard rubber. Some varieties turn a more greenish brown, and some a more brownish green, with age. The erosion near the tip is typical too.

A trumpet or cornet mute appears to have gotten involved as well (the shiny conical thing with the holes in the end).

That finish is the satin gold plated finish. I think it's the second highest level of finish offered at the time, burnished (shiny everywhere) gold being the highest. The metal looks great (not so sure about those ancient white pads) and I would not attempt to "polish or clean" it with anything more than a damp soft cloth.

Yes, that's a reed clipper, and probably not a very good one, the only one I recommend is Cordier L'Uniq.

What you've got there is a saxophone built to the top professional standards of the day (it's equivalent in its day to a Selmer Super Action 80 or Yamaha Custom of today), but in a pitch that's been used only rarely since 1930.
 
zapatista

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#16 ·
BTW, a gold plated NWII C Melody could actually be worth decent money. The higher up the serial number the more desirable it becomes and not many were made. If the serial number is above 200XXX you've got something. Nice looking horn.
 
PigSquealer

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#20 ·
OldConnPlayer said:
Thank you for the repair people recommendation. I'll have to check the serial number. I think it starts with either 124 or 224
Click to expand...
124 would be 1924-1925.
224 is 1929-30 and would have been real expensive item during the depression.

Beautiful C melody. Have you submitted a picture here yet ? https://connsortia.com/
 
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