Conn 1930 ‘New Wonder II – “Chu Berry”‘ Bb Tenor, Silver Art Deco #243k (Archived)

 1930 Conn New Wonder II Tenor

"Chu Berry" Art Deco

"After" photos:
Matte restoration process:
Price: SOLD

 

  • Year:  1930
  • Make:  Conn
  • Model: New Wonder II, Art Deco
  • Status:  SOLD
  • Finish: Silver Plate (2nd layer)
  • Serial Number: 243,18x

Overall, this sax is in good condition with high mileage as a player and unknown history. Here's one of the most in demand Conn Tenors with the Art Deco engraving. The silver is deceiving to the eye because it could fool many people; I noticed some very hidden marks that lead me to conclude that the silver was re-plated later. I have not verified whether or not this was silver to begin with. I am willing to discuss with you more about that under a more detailed inspection. (During the rebuild, I expect to find more clues.) Two resolders to mention, Eb trill guard and the low C guard. The only complicated fix for me to handle is the E-rod-brace (this is in the center of the E3 span). I'm happy to discuss options with you. I'll fix this sax up with a vintage rebuild and make it sing for the above price.

ERGOS: Late-era Chu with the tilted E3 lever on the side (a plus!). Most people will find these "old" and "awkward", however, you'll find many Conn lovers who would never trade their Chu for a Selmer (tone preferences).

SOUND: Expect a huge, robust Conn tone with the early "smoke" of a true vintage sax.

REBUILD: True Restoration to the cosmetic finish. Rebuild complete with White Roo pads and upgraded Silver, Oversized Resotech resonators & some premium upgrades in materials. (This extra love prompts me to seek a proper case upgrade.)
~$300+ for Pads & Resos
~$1239 WWS rebuild
~$250 New Protec XL case
~$210 New Stainless Springs on the body!
=$1999.00 Labor & Materials Invested
+$$$$ the cost of finding this sax.
+$$$ the Matte Restoration work!!!

CASE: Original, old, wood Case in good usable shape(-$250). ...or... add take my recommendation on the new Protec XL to pair with it (included in the listed price).

Sound Files on Conn "Chu Berry" saxes:
     ...Actual sax in Track 1, Sax #1!
  1. 1.
    TENORs-4x_Conn Chu New Wonder II #243k, Keilwerth Tone King #37k-Plastic wF#, The Martin Tenor #166k, Conn 10M #H42k, on an early Berg 105 boat tail, Sound File 10-2017
    6:45
  2. 2.
    2:00
  3. 3.
    1:12
  4. 4.
    TENOR- VI_ChuTranny_B400THC
    2:24

Item #:WWS1S6.0S0.12061.6-C0517