SOLD - Serial #279,xxx in good overall shape, original lacquer at about 92%. It has Rolled Tone Holes and the fine tuning neck adjuster. Stamped "VIII"s have been credited for playing better; there's just something about them and the vintage world knows it. The body is in great shape with minor dings in the bow, and one and 3 halves that would get to be called dents. Those will be addressed further along the rebuild process. It arrived in the original wood case that is in decent but functional shape. It could be used but the latches are vintage and moody. 😉 It will get a Vintage Conn Rebuild with flat metal resos on Prestini pads and natural cork throughout. This horn is one of THE examples for all those who love and respect Conn. All included for:
Conn 1932 ‘New Wonder II/6M Transitional’ Eb Alto, Nickel #249k (Archived)
SOLD - Serial #249,xxx... ULTRA RARE example in original Nickel plating! 93% intact! ("Finish model #61" via Saxpics.com) ***think about it, "silver" look without the tarnish to clean!*** This is an early transitional model, and true example at that with flat-Chu G#, neck tuner, even the Eb trill key like the Chu!... The sax is in great condition, and will need a full rebuild to enjoy! We will do that for the price included, AND remove all the red brass you can see on the edge touches. Currently paired with a vintage hard case in good, usable shape. it doesn't look like a vintage Conn case, but you never know with a "transitional".
Conn 1928 ‘New Wonder II – “Chu Berry”‘ Eb Alto, Nickel, MINT #211k (Archived)
SOLD - This is a ONE-OWNER horn that I'm excited to see so loved. It arrived in Original white pads, no resos. (I should make a sound file of this vs another Chu for "Era Comparisons" and the importance of resonators) The Ser.# m211,xxx dates to 1928. Excellent condition--98% Nickel-plating, "Chu" with nailfile G#, rolled tone holes, tuning neck, everything we love. Original nickel plate in very nice overall condition. 2-3 areas of nickel flaking (neck, side Bb...), there were 4-6 dings on arrival that I helped with, burnished them back out(mostly). One small one still on the neck, and lower bow. original case in great shape. COLLECTOR SET: Comes with Original Conn Eagle Mouthpiece, ligature and nickel cap! Item #: WWS1W.5W0.5261.6-28
Buescher 1949 ‘Aristocrat II – Big B’ Eb Alto, #328k (Archived)
SOLD - Listen to "Big B" Sound Files! - Serial number 328k, model 140. This is a good looking Original lacquer Buescher that show signs of use but not wild abuse. This one has the exponential bore, but retain the sweetness of the earlier models. (pics are before rebuild and burnishing) They are versatile, warm sounding, comfortable playing altos, with better intonation than most, even including Selmers. we will burnish out any dents, just a few in the bow. All but one (high F) of the original snap-in system is intact, so I plan to do a complete "Original Buescher" style rebuild, with metal backed-press in pads and then snap in the original metal domes. It comes with a 1970s, non-original case is good working order...
Conn 1925 ‘New Wonder II – “Chu Berry”‘ Eb Alto, Silver #148k (Archived)
SOLD - Ser.# m148,xxx dates to 1925. Physically in Excellent condition, this "Chu", nailfile G#, rolled tone holes, tuning neck, Goldwash bell, everything we love, will be a great one. Original Silver plate and Satin Silver highlights model, in very nice overall condition. There is clear lacquer coat over the silver that is flaky off and can/should be removed during the rebuild (included). Now, if you've never played a Chu, they are stunningly powerful altos...big fat sound top to bottom. Ergos are not that great, but I know a lot of players that play them in spite of the 20's design and would never switch to a Selmer. I will repad it, with a Conn-style, french standard repad (aka, a vintage rebuild, a 899.00 rebuild+lacquer stripping).
Conn 1923 ‘New Wonder I’ Eb Alto, Gold plate Artist Full Naked Lady (in water) #117k (Archived)
SOLD - Ser.# 117,xxx dates to 1923. There appears to be silver inlay on the field and the lady's towel. There is some normal wear on the side/palm keys and other common areas. I am considering how much to re-Gold but it looks ok as it--just played mostly worn into the silver; these Artist models always deserve replating work though. These are great lookers and I'm always compelled to make it as pretty as I can. Ergos are not that great, but i know a lot of players that play them in spite of the 20's design and would never switch to a Selmer. Tone-wise...these are warmer than the later Chu era Conn's and bring a full warmth to the sound. Comes in a newer (still old) TRI-PACK case that still has the clarinet 'zone', and flute case elastic straps where a whole flute case might fit in there! I'd have to check again. It's all in sturdy condition. (For shipping it's a Tenor size) I will repad it, with a Conn-style, French standard repad (aka, a vintage rebuild, a 899.00 rebuild).
Buffet 1982 ‘S-1’ Eb Alto, w/ high F#, #33k (Archived)
SOLD - These are considered the pinnacle of Buffet's designs. They are known mostly for they're genius (or wacky) rockers on the C#/Bb and Eb/C...."only sax in history to be able to comfortably go from low C# to Low Bb"(in Sarge's words). They have a French richness in tone tone and smooth action. Ergos have a High rating for comfort. Tone is brighter than the Super Dynaction era prior. I would say these are like a focused Buffet sound crossed with a King Super 20 cutting abilities; and it is a well designed heavy horn. it keeps its adjustment well and is overall reliable. The serial number is 33,xx, which means it was made in 1982. EXCELLENT Original Lacquer is about 97% although there are some scratches and wear on the keyguards(see pics). Typical S-1 style neck with the cut-out for the F#, adjustable thumbrest, several screw adjusters throughout (like selmers). NO visible damage or dings! Included is the original hard case which is in good shape. It was recently rebuilt by a notable U.S. sax shop with slightly domed metal resos w/ rivet (a "modern Selmer Rebuild"). It looks to have been rebuilt 1-2 yrs ago. Pads look good and have lots of life left.
Buffet 1972 ‘Super Dynaction’ Eb Alto, #17,3xx (Archived)
SOLD - (Consignment-Plays well. ) It does play all the way down to low Bb. These compare very favorably to the famed Selmer Mark VI, usually ranked #2. Known for its rich tone and smooth action it is a well-designed heavy horn; it holds its adjustment well and is very reliable. The serial number is 17,3xx, which means it was made in 1972. Original Lacquer is about 95% although there are some scratches (see pics, past dent repairs above neckstrap ring and bell lip. both look great now.) these are always a great value for the money. Included is a great SKB molded, hard case OR... original Buffet hard case in good solid shape--but we would need to plan with the owner to have it delivered. It was rebuilt elsewhere with minimal use with a "French Standard"rebuild that has selmer-style, plastic resos.