[TropicalSax1]

Hello,

I have just joined SOTW and recently purchased a Conn Transitional saxophone. I also have a YAS62II which i have had for quite a few years, however i haven't consistently played for the past 7 years.

The Conn Transitional I believe is 1931-32 the serial number is 'M247xxx'- those dates are according to the Conn date lists seen on other forums.
Im not sure if the sax has its original lacquer (was it released with lacquer?) or original first lacquer- is there a way to determine this?
The sax also had rolled tone holes, L) sided tone holes and ? art deco, i am not sure what constitutes art deco engravings?

I have attached a few photos

I look forward to getting back into the saxophone world!

 

[Raphyel]

Probably first lacquer as this is around the time conn started lacqering horns but since that has the deluxe engravings it was probably silver originally. Look inside the body and see are there any light silver patches also just inside the tone holes.

 

[B Flat]

Yes I had one just like it in silver plate.
If I played more alto I’d have kept it.

 

[pontius]

the g# usually cross hatched on these?

 

[zapatista]

Welcome to SOTW!

I'd bet it's silver plate underneath that lacquer. I have a M244XXX alto with identical "Art Deco"engraving but with (still) split bell keys, "nail file" g sharp key and NWII over-slung neck. It doesn't look like a period nitro-cellulose lacquer to me but photos/lighting can make it truly difficult to tell. From all my research you're still a couple years away from when they started doing an original lacquer at the Elkhart factory. Having a horn (re?)lacquered does effect value somewhat but properly adjusted should not influence playability or the fabulous tone. Enjoy the horn!

 

[zapatista]

the g# usually cross hatched on these?

New Wonder II, Yes. 6M, No. Transitional, Maybe.

 

[pontius]

I've never seen one with a smooth G# on a Chu style pinky cluster.

 

[zapatista]

I've never seen one with a smooth G# on a Chu style pinky cluster.

Yeah looks like an NWI LH pinky cluster...very interesting.

 

[pontius]

I just saw an Art Deco silver one on Ebay with a smooth G#. I'm starting to think they transitioned back to smooth right before the full 6M.

 

[Grumps]

Probably first lacquer as this is around the time conn started lacqering horns but since that has the deluxe engravings it was probably silver originally. Look inside the body and see are there any light silver patches also just inside the tone holes.

Horns that old were relacquered as a matter of course when overhauled between the 50's and 70's. I doubt there's silver underneath.

 

[turf3]

It's unlikely to have "silver underneath" unless someone used an extremely tinted lacquer. Looks like it's been refinished.

Basically what you have there is the same as my 1946 6M except for the details of the left hand keys, plus some minor things like the fork Eb and the styling of the microtuner. I'm not really sure how the "transitional" has become regarded as its own thing.

If in good condition I would expect it to play just like a later 6M, in other words, beautifully.

 

[JayeLID]

....w/ same-side bellkeys it is in the zone of the era where factory lacq would have begun to be available, no ?

Post a pic of the engraving, that will be an indicator of a relacq.

I would tend to agree...if it were originally silverplate it is pretty unlikely someone would have removed the silver and lacquered it. If they did not remove the silver and just buffed and lacquered it...it would not look like how it looks.

 

[Saxaholic]

These era horns were both available with lacquer (rare) as well as bare brass (very rare). Original bare brass horns of this era are considerably more rare than gold plated examples but they exist.

The smooth G# key is included in various iterations of the Transitional period. You'll see it in late 240,xxx horns into the late 250,xxx horns.

It is possible this is original lacquer or lacquer over an original bare brass horn. It could also easily be relacquered. We would need close up pictures of the engraving, guard feet, braces, serial number, and whatever else in order to know for sure.

Regardless of the finish situation, as long as the tone holes are level and the horn is sealing well, these are among the best alto saxophones ever made. They have an incredibly rich, deep tone that has power and projection when called upon, and stable intonation.

- Saxaholic

 

[TropicalSax1]

Thanks for all the reply's and information!

I'll upload some more specific photos during the week when i'm home- these are the rest which i have on my phone.

What would this type of sax be worth normally in playing condition? This one had pads replaced 10 years ago, but was never played. I payed $1300 AUD for it- but at the end of the day I wanted a horn with character which it has and I will be holding onto it for a long time!!

Thanks

 

[B Flat]

I sold mine for exactly that amount $1300 AUD about 5 years ago.
But mine was Silver Plated and fully overhauled only 3 months earlier.
Basically what I spent on it.
I bought it for $270 and paid $900 for the overhaul.
A deal came up on a Tenor and I couldn’t afford to keep it as well.

 

[TropicalSax1]

Hey SOTW,

Here are some new photos if it helps at all- I have taken some with flash on and off.

Also, any information on the mouthpiece TradeMark (?Eagle)- would this be an original mouthpiece? It was difficult to play with, I much prefer using my Myer 6M mouthpiece.

Thanks

 

[click]

Thank you, everyone for your informative replies to these Transitional questions.

It is a favorite topic, and so it is both entertaining and informative to have you guys helping out by sharing your info.

This is a cool place!