Description
This is a Conn New Wonder Series II tenor saxophone in burnished gold plate with elaborate engraving of a tall ship on the bell. This finish combination- burnished gold body and keys with elaborate engraving- is sometimes called a Conn “Portrait” saxophone, as they often featured the portrait of a woman, but Conn would have called this their “Artist’s Special” finish. These saxophones, along with the Conn “Virtuoso Deluxe” finish, represent- to me- the highest level of artistry seen in a truly playable modern saxophone. For a period of time, the maturing craft of saxophone making aligned with a market strong enough to allow production of saxophones that to this day have no equal.
This particular horn features a beautiful engraving pattern of a ship I have not personally seen before, and while showing signs of use throughout the years (Conns are often heavily used, though well cared for, as they were the choice of many of the professional big band musicians from the 1920s-1940s) is in solid physical condition with no evidence of any major past damage or resoldering. It currently plays decently on old pads, but you would want an overhaul for this horn to play at its full potential. A potential which, as anyone who has played a Conn with pads that seal can tell you, is an absolutely monstrous sound, rich and powerful.
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