Vintage C. G. Conn Alto Saxophone - 6M Wonder (II) RARE ORIG. NICKEL Plate
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:31140261 | Body Material: Brass |
| Type: Alto | Brand: C.G. Conn |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: United States | Body Finish: Rare NICKEL Plate |
| Skill Level: Professional |
Vintage C.G. Conn Alto Saxophone - 6M New Wonder (II) ~ Serial Number - M156xxx - Made in 1925 ~ Original RARE Nickel Plated Finish ~ Rolled Tone holes ~ Micro-tuning neck ~ Nail file G# Key ~ ALL ORIGINAL ~ w/ Original Case - - Chu Berry Vintage
Up for auction is a spectacular example of one of the finer quality American made saxophones that you will find on the marketplace! For any musician or collector that is looking to add a ‘vintage’ axe to your arsenal, the New Wonde...r (II) is among one of THE go-to instruments. I’m going to explain why that is in this description! But first, let’s start with a bit of history for you!
HISTORY:
You may know that the saxophone was invented by Belgium inventor Adolphe Sax. The invention came about in the 1840s. He received a patent on the instrument in 1846 which lasted for 20 years. It was famed American Bandleader, Patrick Gillmore who is purported to be the first to feature the instrument in the United States with his band following the Civil War. Leading into the Civil War, American factories were beginning to raise the bar for musical instrument manufacturing. Great makers such as Graves, E.G. Wright, Firth Hall, and Pond, and so many others that peppered the East Coast, were creating some of the finest brass instruments in the world. But because the saxophone was a new instrument, and it was just becoming more popular from the 1870-1880s there were no American manufacturers producing the saxophone. And so at this point in history, there was also not a reliable source for the instrument in the United States. This all changed in the 1890s when the world's largest, and most reputable company, C.G. Conn Ltd. decided to develop and produce the popular instruments. With both enhanced manufacturing capabilities and the power to produce a lot more instruments for the world, it can be said that the C.G. Conn company was a key factor to the success of the Saxophone as we know it.
Based in Elkhart, Indiana, the C.G. Conn company made many enhancements and revisions to their line of saxophones from those early versions in the 1890’s thru the 1960’s. It was in 1971 that the famous line of instruments essentially was shut down indefinitely. Today there are no saxophones being produced in the United States. While many musicians prefer the intonation and ergonomics of a Parisian or Japanese made instrument, there is no doubt, that the ‘sound’ of these older American Conn saxophones is NOT something you can find on a modern saxophone. It is this reason that musicians often lust after the opportunity to find a solid vintage American made Saxophone. And whether you are considering a Martin, Holton, Buescher, or King, the Conn New Wonder (II) rates up at the top for having one of the phattest and richest, most pure sounds of them all. This model is more ballsy than a later 6M, and more spread.
THIS MODEL - New Wonder (II)
Some of the features that stand out on the New Wonder (II) line of saxophones are the rolled tone holes, the distinctive ‘nail file’ G# key, and the Micro-Tuning neck. These instruments were incredibly well made. The materials were the finest. The craftsmanship was next to none. We’ll likely never see a company come close to the quality of these older Conn instruments. The keywork was solid. The design ridgid. The tapers of the body, bow and bell help provide that huge phat sound that everyone absolutely loves on these instruments. Over the years Conn, and other companies would tighten up the tapers to refine intonation, which lends well for a classical oriented musician. But these enhancements to intonation were at the expense to the richness of sound of the older versions, like what you are seeing here today.
Conn offered a variety of different finishes on their instruments from highly engraved hand burnished Gold plate, to Silver Plating, lacquering, and as you see here ‘Nickel Plate’. It is worth mentioning that the nickel plated Conn saxophones are much more rare to find. Even when you talk to top saxophone experts you will find that this is perhaps more rare than finding a Gold Plated ‘New Wonder’. While technically the finish was less expensive than silver or gold plating, it is suggested by the few musicians that have had the opportunity to track an original nickel plated instrument down, that these horns have a bit more gusto, and more punch.
CONDITION:
This instrument as you will see in the images is in excellent condition. The plating is 95%+. There are only small little spots of wear. I found one very slight dish dent just above the bell ferrule. It’s not bad at all, and will be easily pushed out. You’ll also notice period ‘key risers’ made of corks on a couple of keys. This would suggest to me that the instrument was coveted by the original owner. The pads do appear however to be possibly original to the instrument There are no resonators. A new owner will certainly want to have the instrument fully repadded. Considering the condition, finish, and what seems to be the original pads, I don’t think it’s a stretch to call this a time capsule instrument!! Even the original case is in nice condition. It shows absolutely no signs of every being badly damaged or repaired. The micro tuning neck does work, and is not stuck. THE KEY WORK!! Man, I can’t miss talking about the key work… Yes, this is an OLD instrument. But the keywork is actually pretty tight. You can expect a technician will need to do a bit of work to the mechanics, but there is not much side play or end play in the hinge tubes at all. And it seems like everything is moving freely. So this should NOT be a nightmare for your personal tech at all.
CONCLUSION
Ladies and gentlemen, this instrument is nearly 100 years old! This saxophone was only made about 35 years after the FIRST saxophone was made in the United States! The make and model are highly desirable for someone looking for a great PHAT vintage American sound. The finish is rare. The condition is awesome! It doesn’t get much better than this! To top it all off, I am offering this instrument with NO RESERVE. Meaning, the high bid will win! Don’t be outbid, or sniped in the last second!! Don’t miss out on an opportunity to own some history! Good luck and happy bidding!! ;o)
Terms: Yes, I will ship internationally. Buyer will pay for shipping. I will do my best to monitor questions. Please don’t hesitate. I am NOT going to end this auction early. It will be up for a full week, and you’ll have that time to decide how you want to roll. To avoid getting ‘sniped’ at the last second on this item, you might look into apps like EZsniper. If you really want this instrument, but don’t have the coin to lay down up front, you might consider checking out ‘PayPal’s financing options!
About me. I have been in the industry now for over 20 years. I have been selling on eBay for over 20 years now, however because my original account is linked with my company, I have decided to start a personal account to sell my own collection. I originally attended the highly acclaimed Band Instrument Repair program in Red Wing, MN back in the late 1990’s. I have been restoring, and manufacturing brass instruments for the last 20 years, and have been collecting, learning, and specializing in vintage and antique wind instruments most of my life. Bid with confidence! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thanks!
Up for auction is a spectacular example of one of the finer quality American made saxophones that you will find on the marketplace! For any musician or collector that is looking to add a ‘vintage’ axe to your arsenal, the New Wonde...r (II) is among one of THE go-to instruments. I’m going to explain why that is in this description! But first, let’s start with a bit of history for you!
HISTORY:
You may know that the saxophone was invented by Belgium inventor Adolphe Sax. The invention came about in the 1840s. He received a patent on the instrument in 1846 which lasted for 20 years. It was famed American Bandleader, Patrick Gillmore who is purported to be the first to feature the instrument in the United States with his band following the Civil War. Leading into the Civil War, American factories were beginning to raise the bar for musical instrument manufacturing. Great makers such as Graves, E.G. Wright, Firth Hall, and Pond, and so many others that peppered the East Coast, were creating some of the finest brass instruments in the world. But because the saxophone was a new instrument, and it was just becoming more popular from the 1870-1880s there were no American manufacturers producing the saxophone. And so at this point in history, there was also not a reliable source for the instrument in the United States. This all changed in the 1890s when the world's largest, and most reputable company, C.G. Conn Ltd. decided to develop and produce the popular instruments. With both enhanced manufacturing capabilities and the power to produce a lot more instruments for the world, it can be said that the C.G. Conn company was a key factor to the success of the Saxophone as we know it.
Based in Elkhart, Indiana, the C.G. Conn company made many enhancements and revisions to their line of saxophones from those early versions in the 1890’s thru the 1960’s. It was in 1971 that the famous line of instruments essentially was shut down indefinitely. Today there are no saxophones being produced in the United States. While many musicians prefer the intonation and ergonomics of a Parisian or Japanese made instrument, there is no doubt, that the ‘sound’ of these older American Conn saxophones is NOT something you can find on a modern saxophone. It is this reason that musicians often lust after the opportunity to find a solid vintage American made Saxophone. And whether you are considering a Martin, Holton, Buescher, or King, the Conn New Wonder (II) rates up at the top for having one of the phattest and richest, most pure sounds of them all. This model is more ballsy than a later 6M, and more spread.
THIS MODEL - New Wonder (II)
Some of the features that stand out on the New Wonder (II) line of saxophones are the rolled tone holes, the distinctive ‘nail file’ G# key, and the Micro-Tuning neck. These instruments were incredibly well made. The materials were the finest. The craftsmanship was next to none. We’ll likely never see a company come close to the quality of these older Conn instruments. The keywork was solid. The design ridgid. The tapers of the body, bow and bell help provide that huge phat sound that everyone absolutely loves on these instruments. Over the years Conn, and other companies would tighten up the tapers to refine intonation, which lends well for a classical oriented musician. But these enhancements to intonation were at the expense to the richness of sound of the older versions, like what you are seeing here today.
Conn offered a variety of different finishes on their instruments from highly engraved hand burnished Gold plate, to Silver Plating, lacquering, and as you see here ‘Nickel Plate’. It is worth mentioning that the nickel plated Conn saxophones are much more rare to find. Even when you talk to top saxophone experts you will find that this is perhaps more rare than finding a Gold Plated ‘New Wonder’. While technically the finish was less expensive than silver or gold plating, it is suggested by the few musicians that have had the opportunity to track an original nickel plated instrument down, that these horns have a bit more gusto, and more punch.
CONDITION:
This instrument as you will see in the images is in excellent condition. The plating is 95%+. There are only small little spots of wear. I found one very slight dish dent just above the bell ferrule. It’s not bad at all, and will be easily pushed out. You’ll also notice period ‘key risers’ made of corks on a couple of keys. This would suggest to me that the instrument was coveted by the original owner. The pads do appear however to be possibly original to the instrument There are no resonators. A new owner will certainly want to have the instrument fully repadded. Considering the condition, finish, and what seems to be the original pads, I don’t think it’s a stretch to call this a time capsule instrument!! Even the original case is in nice condition. It shows absolutely no signs of every being badly damaged or repaired. The micro tuning neck does work, and is not stuck. THE KEY WORK!! Man, I can’t miss talking about the key work… Yes, this is an OLD instrument. But the keywork is actually pretty tight. You can expect a technician will need to do a bit of work to the mechanics, but there is not much side play or end play in the hinge tubes at all. And it seems like everything is moving freely. So this should NOT be a nightmare for your personal tech at all.
CONCLUSION
Ladies and gentlemen, this instrument is nearly 100 years old! This saxophone was only made about 35 years after the FIRST saxophone was made in the United States! The make and model are highly desirable for someone looking for a great PHAT vintage American sound. The finish is rare. The condition is awesome! It doesn’t get much better than this! To top it all off, I am offering this instrument with NO RESERVE. Meaning, the high bid will win! Don’t be outbid, or sniped in the last second!! Don’t miss out on an opportunity to own some history! Good luck and happy bidding!! ;o)
Terms: Yes, I will ship internationally. Buyer will pay for shipping. I will do my best to monitor questions. Please don’t hesitate. I am NOT going to end this auction early. It will be up for a full week, and you’ll have that time to decide how you want to roll. To avoid getting ‘sniped’ at the last second on this item, you might look into apps like EZsniper. If you really want this instrument, but don’t have the coin to lay down up front, you might consider checking out ‘PayPal’s financing options!
About me. I have been in the industry now for over 20 years. I have been selling on eBay for over 20 years now, however because my original account is linked with my company, I have decided to start a personal account to sell my own collection. I originally attended the highly acclaimed Band Instrument Repair program in Red Wing, MN back in the late 1990’s. I have been restoring, and manufacturing brass instruments for the last 20 years, and have been collecting, learning, and specializing in vintage and antique wind instruments most of my life. Bid with confidence! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thanks!
