Artikel: Conn Transitional ChuBerry
Type : Transitional ChuBerry
Serial : M258284
Year : mid 1933
General description : This Transitional tenor is most likely one of the first tenors with the Ladyface engraving and rather rare. It already has the 10M-style palm keys and several other 10M improvements, but still has the split bell design and ChuBerry-style LH pinky plateau. Only a couple of these had the ladyface engraving (on front of the bell).
There are lots of Transitional alto´s still around in all different versions (have a look at my alto section…) but tenors were basically build in only 2 versions : the Chuberry style and the 10M style. Completely different horns…. Not that many tenors were built anyway, and it´s very hard to find a good one. These horns are very sought after by professional players!
This type (I´ll call it the Transitional ChuBerry type) is mostly identical to the New Wonder series 2 tenor. Body and neck are exactly the same. Yes : this is the type that made Leon Brown ´Chu´ Berry famous during the early 1930´s! He didn´t play a New Wonder series 2 : he played one of these Transitionals. These horns are known for their huge sound and almost limitless power. A true jazz horn for the advanced player!
Lots of experiments were implemented by Conn during this Transitional period. For more info : have a look at https://www.stohrermusic.com/2012/10/conn-transitional-6m-saxophones-the...
Condition : This tenor is in perfect playing condition and was overhauled by it´s previous owner in 2015. A full maintenance check was done in Feb 2022 : completely disassembled, keywork cleaned, old oil removed, rods polished, cork renewed and Teflon added where required, springs adjusted, 2 pads renewed on palm keys, pads threated with pad oil, tone holes polished and checked, new oil and keywork adjusted. The pads are in great condition and have the Meastro-style resonators. The rolled tone holes are all in original condition! No damage or dents on the body; only a couple of small dings on the usual places. The high F post was resoldered, as well as the middle stud of the low Bb keyguard. The neck had a very light pulldown and was repaired : hardly noticeable. the sax has all it´s original cellulose rollers and all locking screws. The original end cap is included as well.
This horn is an old lacquer version, in nice dark honey-gold color. Probably it left the factory as bare brass, and was lacquered later. The engraving is well visible and the serial number is sharp.
Level : Professional.
Body : Lacquer : probably first lacquer.
Condition : excellent.
Visual : A couple of small dings, lacquer wear and scratches.
Repairs : Two resoldered joints.
Engraving : Ladyface engraving on front of bell.
Keywork : Lacquer.
Condition : Good, with light wear due to normal use.
Pads : very good condition, with Maestro resonators. Two palm key pads were renewed.
Neck : Lacquer.
Condition : No dents, light evidence of repaired pulldown.
Features : Rolled tone holes, fingernail G# key.
Case : New Protec Propac case.
Case condition : New.
History : From collector in USA : history unknown. Imported in 2021.
Remarks : for information on Leon Brown ´Chu´ Berry : see Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu_Berry
