Late Vintage C.G. Conn New Wonder Series I Alto Sax #130874 - Silver Plate, Gold Keys, GOLD INLAYS

This is a C.G. Conn New Wonder I alto saxophone in satin silver plate with gold-plated keys, inlays on the bell, and gold wash on the interior of the bell, serial number #130874. The New Wonder model is a free blowing, warm and dark playing horn manufactured from 1915-1925 and this one happens to have a manufacture date of about 1925, and it seems they went all out on this one. This instrument has a unique look to it and plays nicely, making it a great collector's item.

 

Some features this horn have are very standard for saxophones from the 1910s and 20s, trill G# and D#, key-work from low Bb to high F, front F mechanism, and split bell keys. The New Wonder I comes with a micro-tuner neck where you push your mouthpiece all the way in, and dial the micro tuner clockwise or counter-clockwise, ingenious and cathartic!

 

Physically, this horn could use a cleanup on the plating and a new overhaul as the pads and materials are old but still functioning with numerous leaks. The pads resemble Conn reso pads and aluminum Noyek style resonators, and they're holding a seal on most of the range, but a few leaks left unchecked may render this horn unplayable in time. Fortunately, no resolders to be found, just a few indentations on the neck, and plating wear on key touches. 

 

Sonically, this horn has a free blowing quality, plays with a brilliant vibrancy that gives this horn a bit of a growl across all but the highest register.

 

This horn has gold inlays and a few extra bands on the bow that have been plated as well as the keys, so to a collector this piece can be an interesting addition. Aside from the collector's value, this horn plays great and has potential to play even better once overhauled. Jazz players would get good great use out of a New Wonder like this once it has been tuned up.

 

We will ship this horn in as-is condition in a Buescher brand box case that can hold horns with left side bell keys.