[Bubban]

This was my Dad's. I don't know the history of it, just found it tucked away in his attic (not a good place for a sax!). From what I gathered, it might be a 12M transitional, made in 1931. I am still learning what many of these terms mean, though.
Please let me know what you think of it... any info would be helpful and interesting! I have to decide whether it is worth repairing, or if those costs would be more than the value of the sax.

Thanks for looking,
Bub

 

[Jerry K.]

Well worth repairing given the desirability and condition, which looks very good for a horn this age. Horn for free + $1200 for a horn worth probably $3K-$4K seems worth it. The other option would be to sell “as is” for $1.5K-$2.5K. Some actually prefer having a horn overhauled by a shop they know and respect.

 

[KeithL]

I agree with Jerry. It's certainly worthy of repair but unless you plan to play it yourself you're probably just as well off selling it as-is or putting it on consignment. You might be able to find a tech who can put it into playable condition for a couple hundred bucks but it's probably going to need a complete overhaul to play it's best and that's likely to cost $1k plus or minus a bit.

 

[turf3]

That is one of the finest baritone saxes ever made, in excellent used condition from the photos.

It's worth about $3000-4000 with the dents out and repadded, regulated, etc.

 

[Mike T]

The early 12M was a great horn with a tone to die for. This one doesn't have a front F - Conn didn't start putting these on the 12M until late 1936. This is the model used by Gerry Mulligan for most of his career and he was perfectly happy about the missing front-F. If required, it's a very easy modification for a techy to make. My own 12M dates from early 1936: I got the front-F added to it; the job took the techy half an hour to do, while I stood there and watched.

If you were in Australia, I'd be offering to buy it from you, but, whatever about USPS, a baritone sax is oversized for Australia Post so it must be shipped as freight and it's very expensive to freight a bari internationally. If you play sax yourself, hang onto it and get it overhauled !

 

[Jerry K.]

Bubban, Mike T clearly knows of what he speaks! Please be careful when selling it. There are some individuals that will try to buy the horn for less than it’s worth, here and elsewhere. I’d suggest posting any offers you receive here and get some input from those who know the value. You may also want to let everyone know what state you’re in. With baris being very difficult to ship without damage, it’s in your best interest to try to sell locally. I sold a much later early 60s 12M at the end of 2019 and even though I’m very good at packing saxophones, it was seriously damaged and cost me shipping both ways and the cost of repairs to be able to resell locally. Best of luck if you decide to sell it!

 

[B Flat]

I’d get it restored but like Mike I love these old Conns.
Mine is a 1933 transitional also without the front F.
Occasionally I’ll inadvertently reach for it but really it’s not a big deal on the whole.
You’d be hard pressed to find a better sounding Baritone than these.

 

[14470]

I want it.

 

[Bubban]

Actually, good chance I'll keep it. I need to find someone near me to evaluate repair costs...

Funny, but this Bari almost ended up in a dumpster.

 

[cymru97]

Actually, good chance I'll keep it. I need to find someone near me to evaluate repair costs...

Funny, but this Bari almost ended up in a dumpster.

Awesome! I hope you are able to justify the repair bill and that you keep it and love it for many years. It's one of the most desirable bari saxes in existence, but more important, it was your dad's! That's just too cool.

What general area are you in? If you need pointers toward reliable techs, you will get plenty of input here. Just make sure the repairer understands and appreciated vintage horns.

 

[Bubban]

I am in New Jersey.
I don't remember ever seeing my Dad play this sax; he had a C melody and Alto- at least I think that's what they are- that he played in recent years. Those I will never part with.

Awesome! I hope you are able to justify the repair bill and that you keep it and love it for many years. It's one of the most desirable bari saxes in existence, but more important, it was your dad's! That's just too cool.

What general area are you in? If you need pointers toward reliable techs, you will get plenty of input here. Just make sure the repairer understands and appreciated vintage horns.