Conn F Mezzo New Wonder II Saxophone

Description

In the heyday of saxophone manufacturing in the USA, CG Conn planned to offer a full family of saxophones in Bb and Eb (as we have today) and also in C and F. This is one of the rare F alto saxophones made by Conn in those days. It is smaller than an alto, and larger than a curved soprano. It is its own full design– carefully thought-out and not simply an ad hoc creation out of spare parts. It looks like a New Wonder II, but it already features same side bell keys like the later Artist series horns like the 6M’s.

Cosmetically, this horn has no dents or dings or past repairs. It looks to me like it probably sat around for many years and then was lacquered at a much later point. I’m not sure whether to call it a “first lacquer” or a relacquer, because it is not at all clear whether this horn has been lacquered only once or more than once. I’m pricing it on the low side (for an F Mezzo) just to be safe. What is clear is that it has not been played much at all. The G# key has a very sharp nailfile, and the pearls also look good. There is no sign of wear under the lacquer, and the tone holes all look good too. It has the original mouthpiece intact, with original facing in great condition, though the piece has a shortened shank for some reason. The neck is also in excellent condition with no past damage.

This horn was recently overhauled by someone who does pretty good pad work. I would say it is much better than most horns that I see that have a recent repad, though not the best work that I have seen either. It is a strong player with a sound that is really difficult to describe – it’s like if you managed to take the distill down the essence of a Conn tenor and squeeze it into a horn that sounds more like a curved soprano. Lots of fun!