Description
As you can see, this is a gorgeous example of a gold-plated Conn New Wonder II. It has the thick, burnished gold that is much rarer than the normal “matte” gold plate. And it has extensive engraving on the bell including a castle scene. This is one of the best, most awesome examples of a vintage gold Conn tenor that you will see.
Cosmetically, this horn is also in excellent shape. The gold plate is in great shape, with only some minor wear from use. The body octave pip was resoldered (I think maybe the solder wasn’t sealing there?) and there were a few small dings removed from the inside of the back of the bow. The original neck looks great and is not pulled down or damaged. The body tube and bell flare both look excellent as well. This horn has a modern thumb rest installed, and it also includes the original Conn thumb hook. It also has a modern strap hook that is easily removable, and is just attached to the original Conn strap hook. Really cool idea, and easier than soldering a second strap hook. Everybody should do this to improve the balance of Conns. I am going to start carrying this part, if I can’t find it for sale elsewhere. It’s great!
This horn has a fresh, high-end overhaul with nice seamless flat metal resonators, followed by a thorough setup by Matt Stohrer to get it playing its best. The pads feel nice and ‘dry’ and snappy under the fingers, and the horn resonates back to you just closing the pads without blowing. That’s a sign that you have very good pad work on a rolled tone holes saxophone.
Tonally, this is pure 1920’s-30’s jazz power: big, smoky, warm, loud – lots of complexity to make it interesting to listen to. Super fun to play. And for once, the guitarists and brass players will be asking you to please not play so loudly all the time!
If you love the burnished gold, the beautiful engraving, and having a fresh, well-done restoration, then this is the horn for you.
Only one available.
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