Conn vs. new

I think that the key here is that your son is embarassed by the Conn. A large part of the selection of an instrument is not objective. There are actually some Conns later than yours that are pretty well thought of. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160146990961&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=006

The deal the store is offering is not bad, especially if they are going to warrant the Yamaha. Your vintage of Conn will seldom go over a couple hundred on eBay, so you are getting a YAS 23 for 7-750, which isn't horrible when you can play it and inspect it before hand. No dents, dings or scratches a Yamaha can bring that much on eBay. http://search-completed.ebay.com/Ya...pZ2QQnojsprZyQQpfidZ0QQsacatZQ2d1QQsofocusZbs

The horn that best suits your son at this point is the one that he is psyched to play. It really doesn't matter that a vintage Buescher will blow away a Yamaha for that kind of money if he won't play it. If it takes shine to get him pumped for practice, get him some shine, used.

thank you

I have read through the posted replies thus far, and thank you very much for your input. We have yet to reach a decision, but everyone's input has helped.

My son has read much of the material on Conns that I have found, and he does feel better about it now. Ignorantly, we did not do any research, or even shopped around, before buying the Conn 4 1/2 years ago. The price was right and it came from a nice local family whose children no longer played.

Today my son did request a few new items, such as a mouth piece, neck strap and carrying case. I bought a mouth piece and strap. We will be shopping in a large city Labor Day weekend and intend to visit Dietz Music where we are told that there are many new and used saxophones which can be played before purchasing. I think that will be a great opportunity for my son to try a few out.

I am hoping that we might find someone with more expertise at that time to listen to our Conn and verify the quality of the sax so that we can decide whether or not we would keep or trade it in if we buy a shiny new one.

My son loves playing in both concert band and marching band, and is also involved in choir. I am willing to do whatever is needed to encourage his enthusiasm in music, which is what began this journey to begin with.

Thanks again!

Dixie

OK, 2 things:

First, as a band director who teaches marching band, IMO that old conn is a great marching horn. It's hard to keep instruments in good condition in the weather outside, much less getting banged around by some kid who's either waving a flag or running into you with a bass drum.

Second, peer pressure is a powerful thing with kids. They do not understand the value of vintage yet, and while the Shooting Star Conn is one that does have some value, it is probably not the quality of the M series or Chu. My advice would be to use the Conn for marching with the promise of getting a nicer pro line horn after the student develops to a certain level of proficiency. At that point, get with a college or private teacher and make an educated decision on whether to go vintage or new. Give your child a chance to have some input on the decision after more instruction.

Vintage horns are great. I've got a 1937 10m and I love it, but I didn't start with it and it took me 30 years to realize what I had. I wouldn't have wanted to play the old smelly thing when I was a teenager either.

As far as the case is concerned, they have some cool molded cases that fit with over the shoulder straps, etc. The coolness effect of that with his peers should take a bit of the sting out of playing an old horn.

As sad as it is, appearance is almost everything to young people.

With that being said, it also speaks a lot for you as parents to be making an informed and educated decision to support your child in music.
You make my day job a lot easier and enjoyable.

Best wishes,

10m