Gold Plated Conn 6M VIII 'Naked Lady' Alto Saxophone - Serial # 307981

Very nice C.G. Conn “Naked Lady” engraved 6M VIII alto sax in gold plate, serial number 307981. If you are a collector, you know that finding 6M's in gold plate is exceedingly rare. This alto will go through our shop for a full overhaul before shipping, and come to you ready to make sweet music for years to come.

At first glance, this appears to be an original gold plate, but there is some very minor evidence of past buffing on a couple keys, so I think it is probably a really good factory replating. It bears military stamping (“U.S” on the bell) and many military horns were silver; I would venture to guess the horn was silver when new and was later gold plating. But as I said, the job is as perfect as you will find and looks factory. The gold plating shows minor finish wear on a few touch points but is still 95% intact overall. The rolled tone holes have never been filed on, and there is no evidence of dents, resolders or any previous repairs of any kind. The sax does have its original microtuner neck with underslung octave key and double socket receiver, with the matching VIII stamping on it.

This alto was was last repadded several years ago. Being such a premium instrument, we want to do this horn up right, and it will get our full pro overhaul. Included in the price, it will be disassembled and cleaned/hand polished, with all new pads and material (using metal resonators), and the action with precisely regulated for feel and response.

Currently blowing through some leaks before our overhaul, you can still get a sense of the warmth and color this alto plays with. It has a gorgeous ballad-like tone, but when you start to push it, it opens up and has a nice cutting ability too. I think the gold adds depth that you wont' find on a lacquered 6M. Great all-around alto, the likes of which you probably won't see again.