Artikel: Conn Transitional 6M - Art Deco
Type : Transitional 6M – Art Deco
Serial : M247677
Year : mid 1931
General description : A rather unique Conn saxophone!.... This is one of the very first 6M Transitional types, so with 6M-style low B and Bb key and 6M-style underslung neck, but still with the ChuBerry-style keywork on the LH pinky plateau (without the fingernail pattern) . Further details: rolled tone holes, swivel thumb rest, neck with old-style micro tuner, no pants guard for low B and B flat, beautiful Art Deco engraving on the bell. This is a true Transitional alto, with features of both the Chuberry model and the early 6M model.
These horns are known for their unique full and rich sound, with unlimited power.
Condition : The sax is in almost new condition with no dents, damage or repairs. Tone holes are not flattened and in original condition. No rust marks. This alto was completely overhauled by it´s previous owner in 2022, including a perfect relacquer. Great job done here! The Art Deco engraving is just beautiful! The neck is in perfect condition, with fully functional microtuner. All locking screws are present. The pads are in almost new condition.
General info: There are lots of stories and myths about relacquer saxophones.
Basic fact number 1: there are 2 ways to remove the original coating/finish: buffing or chemical removing. The buffing process is a pure mechanical process and has one major issue: it will mostly lead to losing some of the saxophone´s metal, resulting in a slightly thinner wall of the horn. This might have influence of the sound of the horn. Also the engraving will not be sharp anymore. Chemical removing only removes the actual old lacquer and has no influence on the metal. Most vintage horns have a cellulose-based lacquer that can be removed easy with a soda in hot water bath, in combination with ultrasonic cleaning.
Basic fact number 2: A modern and professional relacquer has no influence on the sound of the horn. Older relacquer jobs are rather thick to camouflage the scratches of the buffing process: this has influence on the sound! It´s also important is to protect the inside of the tone holes during the relacquer process.
Level : professional.
Body : Relacquer.
Condition : very good.
Visual : no dents, damage or repairs.
Repairs : none.
Engraving : sharp Art Deco engraving on bell.
Keywork : Relacquer.
Condition : very good.
Pads : In very good condition, almost new.
Neck : Relacquer.
Condition : very good.
Microtuner: Old-style type microtuner (ChuBerry type), fully functional.
Features : Rolled tone holes / microtuner / Art Deco engraving
Case : original vintage case.
Case condition : fully functional and usable, with minor wear.
History : From semi-professional player in Arlington, Texas.
Remarks : These Transitional alto´s with Art Deco engraving are highly sought-after and a true collector’s item. They were made during a short period between end of 1930 and 1932.