There is a lot of info (and rumours) on the internet about the early 6M alto saxophone model. As far as I can determine after years of online research and reverse engineering on my own stock of saxes, I come to the following conclusions:
A very welcome addition to my collection is this Conn 18M stretched soprano. A lacquered example is already present, but this one is silver-plated and in mint condition. The 18M stretched soprano was only built in a small quantity between 1928 and the end of 1929. This soprano can only be played with a special short mouthpiece, the Conn S2. A very rare mouthpiece (I have one available) but Ed Pilliger in London builds fantastic replicas.
Under AS124 you will find another extremely beautiful and great-sounding Transitional alto saxophone, with the beautiful Art Deco engraving on the bell. This is one of the first Transitional alto saxophones with the low B and Bb in the 6M style, i.e. on equal sides of the bell and with the common keyguard. These were not yet fitted with the pants guard. The left pink plateau is still identical to the Chuberry model. However, the Gis key plateau is flat and without the fingernail pattern as on the earlier models.
Another 1942 Conn 10M Ladyface has been added to the collection. You can find it under TS55 in the ´Occasions´ section. Original lacquer, and without damage or dents. This tenor was overhauled in the 1990s by Emilio Lyons of Raybun Music: his personal sticker is present on the cup. The sax plays wonderfully on the older pads. Everything else is original, except the case. These are highly sought-after saxes: check quickly if it is still available!
Another special Conn alto saxophone has been added to the collection: a Conn ChuBerry from early 1926 in finish 1 (silver-plated body with gold-plated keys and bell engraving). See AS122 in the ´Occasion´ section. Not many Chuberry altos were made in this finish, and a near mint example like this one is an absolute rarity! The gold plating is virtually complete! The sax plays great on the current polsters: some have been replaced. All locking screws are present. All rollers are original. The sax has only 1 small dent in the bow guard: otherwise no dents, damage or wear.
