[Jazzme]

I am looking at taking an opportunity to purchase an alto to add to my current arsenal. I currently have a S, T, and Bari so this should be a good addition. The horn is a Conn 6M 1936, 272k serial number. I have some decent reviews about the horn but would like any opinion offered about likes / dislikes on the horn. Also, I would like to have an idea on price to be sure it's a good deal when I go see the horn in person.

Here's a couple pics.

Thanks,

 

[Reedsplinter]

That's a beauty. It's a great horn. Assuming the price is right, go for it!

 

[tjontheroad]

Looks real nice. I have a 1935 vintage myself so I'm biased

How much?

 

[Jazzme]

$950

 

[tjontheroad]

$950

I'd get jumpy of I was you. Assuming, as it looks to be, just overhauled and the lacquer is original.

That horn should scream.

 

[Jazzme]

Yeah, I'll keep the thread up to date on that. I *THINK* I have the wifes approval so that's a factor but hopefully I can see this thing this week and plunk down a few bills for it or at least to hold it while I mull it over a few days. From what I understand it's real clean but I am curious on the lacquer part of it. I know the original case comes w/ it too.

 

[tjontheroad]

On 2nd look, I'm 50/50 on the lacquer. It could be just the pictures, but it looks slightly lighter that it should. Or, it could just be polished nice and clean.

Mine is a very dark color. Others here are better at spotting this out than me.

 

[Dave dix]

Best way to check for a re-lac is buff wear on the pearls
Dave

 

[SuperAction80]

If you have played it and like it, it is definatly $950 worth of horn. I usually buy to keep and don't really care about relacquering as long as the horn plays well. Even if this horn is a relacquer, $950 sounds fair to me.

 

[Jazzme]

It appears it was re-lacquered. The guy that has it bought it from a guitar shop on ebay. The seller had it listed as a 1969 model since the serial numbers were re-used in the late 60s.?. In any case, I should get to look at it later this week. He speculates it was re-lacquered in the 50s or 60s. New reso pads had been put on at some point before he got it in 04.

 

[tjontheroad]

$950 is a good deal, but I'd still try and talk it down $100 to $150 due to the relacquer. It'll still be a great horn. Old Conns are cool

Good luck.

 

[Jazzme]

Well I played the horn this afternoon and man what an awesome sound. I don't have my own mp so he let me use a selmer c*. After we talked a bit he let me use an older Rousseau which was just rash and crude sounding and then comes this, what should be a Holy Grail of a mp and let me play with a Brilhart Tonalin Great Neck 3. MAN!!! what a mp. He found it at a music auction in a box practically brand new and old as the serial # was a 4 digit one. So now not only do I NEED this new old 6M but I also NEED a Brilhart Tonalin Great Neck 3! Where to start??? I haven't made the final call on the horn but it is in great shape. There are a couple solder points around the lower c and e flat key covers but that's it. The horn is in great shape. A little burble in the low D pad but looks to be the fault of the key that pushes the e and d key down together. Not the best design idea.

 

[whaler]

I've always felt that Conns and King are the tenor players' altos. More balls than other horns and you're not leaving thousands of dollars worth of horn sitting in the closet. I had a BA Selmer alto stolen, and except for one MarkVI I tried, I found myself liking the Conns a lot more. I had a 10M tenor, but I could never get used to the "clunky" feel, but loved the sound. On alto, the action doesn't bother me one bit.

 

[Jazzme]

One other thing that I found interesting is that the thumb hook for the right hand has one like the transitional models where it appears it is adjustable in two areas. Is this normal? It is an exremely comfortable thumb hook.

 

[freejazz]

Mine has the adjustable right thumb hook. (270xxx)

Seems this was a random feature around that time.

Bit of a gimmick but a neat little touch.

 

[Reedsplinter]

I bought a 6m from 1950 from a junk dealer for $250. I put another $200 into it, and it's a great axe.

 

[Jazzme]

I'm about 95% sure I am going to buy the sax. I'm just taunting my self with the idea right now.:twisted: There are a couple keys that need tidying up and he isn't in a hurry so I can be patient...for a little while.

 

[abadcliche]

Definitely a relacquer, but if it plays... $950 ain't bad for a professional level sax in good repair! 6Ms are great horns, and under a grand is a pretty good price for a horn like that IMHO.

 

[Jazzme]

Well I have emailed the seller with my intention to buy it. Now if I could find one of those Tonalin Great Neck Brilhart's.

 

[Jazzme]

Well it is finally in my care! Man what a great horn. I am using a beechler (White plastic maybe) mouthpiece with ARB stamped on it. Not sure if it is an early tonalex that was not labeled as such b/c it doesn't have the black diamond on it. Nice mp for now though. I only paid $40 for the mp. Any ideas?