Sorry about the medium-poor quality of the video. It's actually pretty hard make a video that sounds and looks good, and I didn't think of things like cleaning the lens, or practicing what I wanted to say. I must have taken out 5 minutes of me stuttering and saying 'um'. Rampone video is coming in the near future, as well as an episode on my Buescher Aristocrat alto sax. If you check out my channel, there's a playlist with videos of me trying a ton of amazing classic tenors: th-cam.com/video/gaUZj-T3_cY/w-d-xo.html
@@samuelrodriguezmoreno8835 Yes I did buy it from a guy in Spain! Do you know any details about its history? I would love to know more. The mouthpiece is a Francois Louis Spectruoso. On the shank, it says T 315 ML
Yes, I knew the guy, I was about to buy this saxophone, from a guy in Barcelona, but I didnt have the money, and I didnt want to buy it too because the neck wasnt original, I recognize it because of the neck, and the colour of the sax. I remember I was like Moré than 6 months looking for this sax Hahah I had pictures and videos in my old phone, its so funny.
@@samuelrodriguezmoreno8835 Great, I'm happy for you. If it's any comfort, it didn't play that great until I got it overhauled, so you were probably better off this way!
There's a real rediscovery of the OLD Conns (usu the transitionals and the New Wonder II, which was the preceding model to yours) going on now, for the reasons that you cite. Amazing horns. I have a 10M which is the best-sounding instrument I've ever played -- and I've had great Selmers too -- but the ergonomics are a challenge. Thanks!
Great vid, I have one 2460##, bought from a friend 1990 for £500 including Lawton and Dukoff mouthpieces 😂. Guy that sold it bought a new Selmer SA80. Played in a gig next to him a few years later and he was begging me to sell it back! There should be a long brace under the crook. Definitely agree with the ergonomics- I always compare it to driving an old Citroen - everything works, but it’s all in a slightly different place! Lovely playing - thx!!!
Like you, my father had his MkVI stolen on a gig. He replaced it with a 1935 Conn 30M. The Selmer had been a like-new shining beauty and when I saw the Conn with it’s weathered finish, I had to ask if the the Selmer had been a better horn and he simply said no.
Great horn, I play the 1932 Conn Transistional. I agree that the neck pipe is probably a Pan, the normal neck has the brace. Big warm sound, agile is a good term to use re: the Transistional. Seriously underrated horns!! Good point about the ergonomics, but once you get used to the "foibles", I personally find the action so much more fluid the Mark VI. Great video!! Cheers!! James!
That's right but it could also be the neck. He commented that the neck might be from a Pan Am. I have an older Conn New Wonder soprano and it is spot-on for intonation. However I also have an old French tenor and I know it's got the wrong neck; that horn has intonation problems.
Nice horn i also own a 1931 conn tenor serial number 248xxx, what I like about conn saxophone is the big dark sound, it plays really in tune, it needs an overhaul, but the sound is great, I also found that when I played the conn my embouchure needs to be very relaxed in order to play in tune
Thank you! I am now playing another tenor, an old Italian instrument with a really unique sound. As soon as I have some time I want to post a video comparing them.
Nice horn, congratulations!! Like two years ago, I saw your video when you had loaners because your Mark VI was stolen.. I was at that time, playing on a Student Yamaha Tenor.. I was inspired to go Conn 10M in part by your video, I totally love the sound, it really does have it's own character!! It's crazy how in today's age ado much is being done through the internet... I got my Conn through a Facebook posting and like you, had to get work done on it, twice.. Now, I'm fairly ok with it, still wanna address some things but over all, very happy with it. I'm happy it worked out for you as well.. Nice sounding horn!!
Thanks Franky, very happy that you found that video useful! My approach to the maintenance question was just to budget for a total overhaul when I bought the horn. That way I would have the best shot at having something reliable. Until two months ago my main source of income was playing concerts, and it was worth it to me to make sure all the pads, corks and felts were brand new and all the play was removed from the mechanism. Coming from a Selmer, I knew I was taking a big downgrade in terms of mechanics and ergonomics, so I wanted to make that as soft a landing as possible, and I must say it's worked quite well. I may do a specific video focusing on the modifications because I think attention to detail there can make the difference between being limited by your instrument and being limited by your technique.
I just sold my 1928 Buescher TrueTone alto because the ergonomics and lack of balance in the keywork was annoying to me. I also had the same thumb pain from hyperextending my thumb on the pearl thumb rest. Was kind of sad for me because I adored the dark tone. You sound amazing on that horn - I like your customization. For me, I had already dropped so much money on the overhaul I didn’t want to keep going to make the horn perfect for me.
I have played a 1927 Conn Chu for 26 years, I'd had a "Selmer Rebellion" and while in England loved the Conn Chu immediately - save for the Chu having an uncanny ability to allow my frequent recklessness of power to display itself with very sharp pitch. This is a very enjoyable video, who made the airplane?
Thank you! The airplane was made by a friend of mine, artist and architect Mael Veisse. He also made most of the furniture you see in the video. He's averse to social media and online promotion, but if you'd like to see some more of his work you can check this out: coralesite.blog/2019/02/14/la-grande-casa-aperta/
. . . get a- 'Trane feel, from that Horn, Man . . . and that's without the Otto Link "Florida" Brass Mouthpiece, Coltrane preferred . . . quite- lovely . . . you could play "Naima" or one of his recorded Ballads on that Beauty . . .
Great work by your repairman. I have one of these two. I use the Oleg adapter for the Bis key but that's about it. Your (his) mods make lots of sense. Love your apartment decoration too. I suppose you made the furniture and other decorations yourself? Thanks for this video. Oh, and you sound amazing on this Conn!
Hi Daniel Great review! I've recently inherited a 1934 Transitional and after having it overhauled I'm loving it. Previously I was playing a Gold Medal SMl but haven't touched it since having the Conn. One slight problem is that I also get the pain in the left shoulder area whereas it was painless with the SMl even though it's a heavier horn. Is it a case of persevering with it and getting a monthly massage? Thanks again. Stephen
Hi Stephen, and thanks for the comment. I'm not sure how much time you are spending with the instrument. When I first got the horn back, I was playing it a lot of hours. Now that I've scaled it back quite a bit (and I have a lot of days where I don't play at all), it's ceased to be a problem. I think this is both because I'm spending less time with the instrument, but also because my body has learned to relax a little more effectively when playing it. I do try to move around and change position a lot when playing, also some light stretching before and after seems to help too. In my opinion, it's really useful to stay mobile and relaxed. If I'm starting to feel stiff, I will take a break and get a glass of water, put down the instrument, walk around the room. Also, to keep from getting locked into a position, I will move around a LOT even while playing, like I'm doing stretching exercises with the horn in my mouth. Another important thing I find if you're doing long hours is to take a lot of small breaks - I used to take a one-minute break every 15 minutes or so. Good luck!
I recently bought a Conn NW II model 1929 vintage that will need some adjustment, maybe an overhaul, the neck tenon might also be needing some adjustment. Do you know any good instrument techs that you would recommend? I used to work for Roche diagnostics and would travel to the , Risch-Rotkreuz, Switzerland facility. There was a reputable shop there near lake Zug.
Thanks Marcel. My repairman's name is Domenico Bartolomeo and he's based in Bari, Italy. His website is here: www.sos-sax.it/ I can't emphasize enough how important a good repair job is to the sound of an instrument. When I first received this tenor I thought I'd made a huge mistake in buying it - all the tiny leaks and slight misalignments may be imperceptible individually, but they add up to an instrument that feels weak and lifeless. After the overhaul, it was night and day. Depending on the condition of your instrument and the skill of your repairman, you may not need a complete overhaul, but because I use this instrument professionally, I prefer to start from a clean slate. That way everything ages at the same rate. If you have 20% new pads and 80% old pads (which each may have a different age), the leather and felt of each pad will behave differently. This means things will constantly go out of adjustment, and the instrument will require a lot more attention and constant maintenance.
@@danielkinzelman7093 so true! My story is, I started a bad habit of trying to work on my horns myself! This caused me to waste a lot of time by playing horns that were good but, never optimal! I am having the problems that you are describing! Now with this COVID stuff there are no gigs so, I left Paris and I’m back home in Nola which now has me in a situation where there aren’t many horn repairman to choose from!😢
@@Jazzmarcel I shipped my saxophone to Domenico. If you are careful about packing, it's a good option (although I recommend going to pick it up, if you can).
Daniel, I wonder why you chose the oval chamber model (ML) mouthpiece instead of Francois' signature sphere chamber model SP please? I've been thinking of ordering one of the latter to try it out but you sound great on the ML, so that is giving me pause. thanks!
Hi Guto, thanks for your comments. I bought my FL mouthpiece many many years ago, right around when they first went on sale after a few years on wooden mouthpieces (lovely sound, but a total disaster in terms of reliability and consistency). I think he had a stand at North Sea Jazz Festival and I tried all the mouthpieces they had and bought the one I liked the best. I don't remember if I tried the sphere mouthpieces or not, I just remembered that I liked the one I bought, but then it was stolen two years ago, together with my tenor. Fortunately, one of my students had an FL she wasn't using, which played great for me. I'm not much of a mouthpiece nerd, so I don't remember what numbers my old mouthpiece had, but this one felt really good, and I feel like it might have been the same measurements. In any case, I don't know where you live but I recommend trying to go to a store where you can try a number of mouthpieces (or perhaps there are some online stores which will allow you to return mouthpieces you don't like). When I was first getting serious about my setup, I would order 5-10 different brands and models of mouthpieces, take notes and return them. Then I'd order a few different measurements of the ones I liked, take notes and return them. And finally, when I knew which model and number I wanted, I would order 3-4 identical mouthpieces and keep the one I preferred. I really think there's no substitute for trying them on your own horn. You also need to have several different reeds (even a few different brands maybe), just to make sure you're not shortchanging the mouthpiece with a crappy reed. If you can't do the multi-step order and return, you should try to go to a good saxophone store with a big stock and rooms where you can take your time trying them out. Good luck!
@@danielkinzelman7093 Much appreciated! It's beautiful sound. Here's a TH-cam link to my Conn 1924 N'Wonder tenor. th-cam.com/video/HDTDUEuNiqI/w-d-xo.html
I own a naked lady and I wouldn’t change this sax for no one else. Those conns makes an amazing richer sound there’s nothing like these outside. The big problem is about ergonomics.
Yes the ergonomics are tricky. My modifications have helped a lot, but I do get some back and shoulder pain if I play for a long time, a problem I never had with my Selmer.
With all the mechanical and intonation and ergonomic issues you've had to overcome (and still deal with), it seems that while you love that horn, you don't necessarily like it. Sort of a love/hate relationship.
@@danielkinzelman7093 How is that horn treating you two years later? Love the mods you had done on that horn. I have a '32 transitional, and I put the same RH thumb rest on mine. I also moved the strap ring down which you don't mention but I see you moved yours down quite a bit. I love your custom LH thumb rest. Do you think your repair guy could duplicate one of those for me? I could solder it on myself.
@@pontius2520 Still really enjoying the instrument. Main disadvantage is pads sticking, I think that's a combination of my cold, humid house and the more primitive keywork not allowing a great balance between spring tension and finger effort (it feels light and good under my hands, but pads tend to stick much more than they did with my Selmer). You can try contacting my repairmain Domenico Bartolomeo here, not sure if he would consider making one for you or not, but it's worth a shot: domenicobartolomeo(at)libero.it
It's a bit complicated, and Conn never used the name 'Chu Berry' OR 'Transitional' officially. From what I understand, both Chu Berry and Transitional are names given by collectors or musicians to saxophones made during certain periods of production of the New Wonder II (Conn's official name for the model). New Wonder IIs started production in 1924 and ended in 1935. The saxophones are roughly divided as follows: 1924-1930 are called 'Chu Berry' horns (even though Chu actually played a Transitional :-p) 1930-1935 are called 'Transitional' horns. These instruments started to incorporate some innovations that were later standardized in the 10M ('Naked Lady'). I'm sure there are a lot of people around who know more about this than I do, so please correct me if I have misunderstood something.
These old Conns are absolute badass horns. I play a 1444xx in pristine condition, well overhauled and I can’t get enough of the sound. I’m not seeing particular intonation issues. And I love the top register. Typically run it with a modern OttoLinks 7*-8*. Sure it’s not a horn for machine gun 16th passages;) Yours is delacquered? Great sound.
Hi Fait and thanks for your comment. You're right, I don't do much playing in this video but I wanted to highlight the history of the instrument and the modifications. I plan to do a more in depth video on the sound of the horn, but in the meantime you can check out Hobby Horse if you'd like to see some of what I did IRL before the pandemic. Here's a taste: th-cam.com/video/Zc53H_DYUiE/w-d-xo.html
Sorry about the medium-poor quality of the video. It's actually pretty hard make a video that sounds and looks good, and I didn't think of things like cleaning the lens, or practicing what I wanted to say. I must have taken out 5 minutes of me stuttering and saying 'um'. Rampone video is coming in the near future, as well as an episode on my Buescher Aristocrat alto sax. If you check out my channel, there's a playlist with videos of me trying a ton of amazing classic tenors:
th-cam.com/video/gaUZj-T3_cY/w-d-xo.html
I think I Know this saxophone, did you buy to a guy in Spain??
Great sound by the Way, wich mouthpiece are u using?
@@samuelrodriguezmoreno8835 Yes I did buy it from a guy in Spain! Do you know any details about its history? I would love to know more.
The mouthpiece is a Francois Louis Spectruoso. On the shank, it says T 315 ML
Yes, I knew the guy, I was about to buy this saxophone, from a guy in Barcelona, but I didnt have the money, and I didnt want to buy it too because the neck wasnt original, I recognize it because of the neck, and the colour of the sax.
I remember I was like Moré than 6 months looking for this sax Hahah I had pictures and videos in my old phone, its so funny.
Now I Am a owner of another great conn transitional from 1931 too I think
@@samuelrodriguezmoreno8835 Great, I'm happy for you. If it's any comfort, it didn't play that great until I got it overhauled, so you were probably better off this way!
This is an absolutely GORGEOUS sounding horn. Worth all the effort for sure
Something about the upper register of old horns that’s so addictive to tap into. I love my Balanced Action alto just because of this.
There's a real rediscovery of the OLD Conns (usu the transitionals and the New Wonder II, which was the preceding model to yours) going on now, for the reasons that you cite. Amazing horns. I have a 10M which is the best-sounding instrument I've ever played -- and I've had great Selmers too -- but the ergonomics are a challenge. Thanks!
Sounds absolutely beautifully!
Congrats on that great tenor.
I always wanted to one day to play an old tenor Conn!!
Thanks
Mario.from Canada
That tenor sounds fantastic! Rich and complex.
Thanks Mark!
Great vid, I have one 2460##, bought from a friend 1990 for £500 including Lawton and Dukoff mouthpieces 😂. Guy that sold it bought a new Selmer SA80. Played in a gig next to him a few years later and he was begging me to sell it back! There should be a long brace under the crook. Definitely agree with the ergonomics- I always compare it to driving an old Citroen - everything works, but it’s all in a slightly different place! Lovely playing - thx!!!
Thank you Saxman t!
Wow, great control of the horn. What a sound.
Thanks!
Like you, my father had his MkVI stolen on a gig. He replaced it with a 1935 Conn 30M. The Selmer had been a like-new shining beauty and when I saw the Conn with it’s weathered finish, I had to ask if the the Selmer had been a better horn and he simply said no.
Great horn, I play the 1932 Conn Transistional. I agree that the neck pipe is probably a Pan, the normal neck has the brace.
Big warm sound, agile is a good term to use re: the Transistional. Seriously underrated horns!!
Good point about the ergonomics, but once you get used to the "foibles", I personally find the action so much more fluid the Mark VI.
Great video!!
Cheers!!
James!
The problem is not the horn, it's probably the mouthpiece. Try an Otto Link or some other round chamber mouthpiece (Meyer) and the pitch will improve!
That's right but it could also be the neck. He commented that the neck might be from a Pan Am. I have an older Conn New Wonder soprano and it is spot-on for intonation. However I also have an old French tenor and I know it's got the wrong neck; that horn has intonation problems.
My late brother sold his late 20’s Conn to Charles Lloyd in the early 90’s after his was stolen in Europe. I still have my brother’s Selmer Mark6.
Nice horn i also own a 1931 conn tenor serial number 248xxx, what I like about conn saxophone is the big dark sound, it plays really in tune, it needs an overhaul, but the sound is great, I also found that when I played the conn my embouchure needs to be very relaxed in order to play in tune
Yes, I think that the relaxed embouchure is key to timbral flexibility as well.
Man that sounds great. I play a 90's Keilwerth that has the same vibe but not nearly as much personality, beautiful
Thank you! I am now playing another tenor, an old Italian instrument with a really unique sound. As soon as I have some time I want to post a video comparing them.
That's really a beauty... Wonderful sound on it
Thanks!
Nice plane bro
Nice horn, congratulations!! Like two years ago, I saw your video when you had loaners because your Mark VI was stolen.. I was at that time, playing on a Student Yamaha Tenor.. I was inspired to go Conn 10M in part by your video, I totally love the sound, it really does have it's own character!! It's crazy how in today's age ado much is being done through the internet... I got my Conn through a Facebook posting and like you, had to get work done on it, twice.. Now, I'm fairly ok with it, still wanna address some things but over all, very happy with it. I'm happy it worked out for you as well.. Nice sounding horn!!
Thanks Franky, very happy that you found that video useful! My approach to the maintenance question was just to budget for a total overhaul when I bought the horn. That way I would have the best shot at having something reliable. Until two months ago my main source of income was playing concerts, and it was worth it to me to make sure all the pads, corks and felts were brand new and all the play was removed from the mechanism. Coming from a Selmer, I knew I was taking a big downgrade in terms of mechanics and ergonomics, so I wanted to make that as soft a landing as possible, and I must say it's worked quite well. I may do a specific video focusing on the modifications because I think attention to detail there can make the difference between being limited by your instrument and being limited by your technique.
Wonderful tone! Congrats on your great choice! I love the old Conn saxes. I would love to see your comparison vid with the Rampone & Cazzani.
Thanks, it's coming soon!
Ciao Dan, è bello rivederti. Gran bel suono, complimenti! Adoro la tua location!
grazie!
I just sold my 1928 Buescher TrueTone alto because the ergonomics and lack of balance in the keywork was annoying to me. I also had the same thumb pain from hyperextending my thumb on the pearl thumb rest. Was kind of sad for me because I adored the dark tone. You sound amazing on that horn - I like your customization. For me, I had already dropped so much money on the overhaul I didn’t want to keep going to make the horn perfect for me.
Thanks Dan!
I have played a 1927 Conn Chu for 26 years, I'd had a "Selmer Rebellion" and while in England loved the Conn Chu immediately - save for the Chu having an uncanny ability to allow my frequent recklessness of power to display itself with very sharp pitch.
This is a very enjoyable video, who made the airplane?
Thank you! The airplane was made by a friend of mine, artist and architect Mael Veisse. He also made most of the furniture you see in the video. He's averse to social media and online promotion, but if you'd like to see some more of his work you can check this out: coralesite.blog/2019/02/14/la-grande-casa-aperta/
The horn sounds great 👍.
Thanks Antonio!
Nice playing, horn AND pad.
Thanks John! Give me a shout if you come through Foligno again.
. . . get a- 'Trane feel, from that Horn, Man . . . and that's without the Otto Link "Florida" Brass Mouthpiece, Coltrane preferred . . . quite- lovely . . . you could play "Naima" or one of his recorded Ballads on that Beauty . . .
Great work by your repairman. I have one of these two. I use the Oleg adapter for the Bis key but that's about it. Your (his) mods make lots of sense. Love your apartment decoration too. I suppose you made the furniture and other decorations yourself? Thanks for this video. Oh, and you sound amazing on this Conn!
Thank you Guto! Yeah, I'm really happy with the work he did. Most of the furniture was created by an architect/artist friend of mine.
Hi Daniel
Great review!
I've recently inherited a 1934 Transitional and after having it overhauled I'm loving it.
Previously I was playing a Gold Medal SMl but haven't touched it since having the Conn.
One slight problem is that I also get the pain in the left shoulder area whereas it was painless with the SMl even though it's a heavier horn.
Is it a case of persevering with it and getting a monthly massage?
Thanks again.
Stephen
Hi Stephen, and thanks for the comment. I'm not sure how much time you are spending with the instrument. When I first got the horn back, I was playing it a lot of hours. Now that I've scaled it back quite a bit (and I have a lot of days where I don't play at all), it's ceased to be a problem. I think this is both because I'm spending less time with the instrument, but also because my body has learned to relax a little more effectively when playing it.
I do try to move around and change position a lot when playing, also some light stretching before and after seems to help too. In my opinion, it's really useful to stay mobile and relaxed. If I'm starting to feel stiff, I will take a break and get a glass of water, put down the instrument, walk around the room. Also, to keep from getting locked into a position, I will move around a LOT even while playing, like I'm doing stretching exercises with the horn in my mouth. Another important thing I find if you're doing long hours is to take a lot of small breaks - I used to take a one-minute break every 15 minutes or so.
Good luck!
Waouuuu le son est extra!
Merci!
The ideal compromise between new wonder 2 and 10m
I think this is the original neck because I have the same one!
I recently bought a Conn NW II model 1929 vintage that will need some adjustment, maybe an overhaul, the neck tenon might also be needing some adjustment. Do you know any good instrument techs that you would recommend? I used to work for Roche diagnostics and would travel to the , Risch-Rotkreuz, Switzerland facility. There was a reputable shop there near lake Zug.
Where do you live? I know someone in Berlin and several people in Italy.
That horn sounds great!......I once had a chu but, it was never overhauled!!! Your repairman is fantastic! ......Who is he, may I ask?
Thanks Marcel. My repairman's name is Domenico Bartolomeo and he's based in Bari, Italy. His website is here:
www.sos-sax.it/
I can't emphasize enough how important a good repair job is to the sound of an instrument. When I first received this tenor I thought I'd made a huge mistake in buying it - all the tiny leaks and slight misalignments may be imperceptible individually, but they add up to an instrument that feels weak and lifeless. After the overhaul, it was night and day.
Depending on the condition of your instrument and the skill of your repairman, you may not need a complete overhaul, but because I use this instrument professionally, I prefer to start from a clean slate. That way everything ages at the same rate. If you have 20% new pads and 80% old pads (which each may have a different age), the leather and felt of each pad will behave differently. This means things will constantly go out of adjustment, and the instrument will require a lot more attention and constant maintenance.
@@danielkinzelman7093 so true! My story is, I started a bad habit of trying to work on my horns myself! This caused me to waste a lot of time by playing horns that were good but, never optimal! I am having the problems that you are describing! Now with this COVID stuff there are no gigs so, I left Paris and I’m back home in Nola which now has me in a situation where there aren’t many horn repairman to choose from!😢
@@Jazzmarcel I shipped my saxophone to Domenico. If you are careful about packing, it's a good option (although I recommend going to pick it up, if you can).
7.14-7.25 JoeLovano sounding 🎷🎼
And now I have one coming
Cool! I hope you like it :-)
Daniel, I wonder why you chose the oval chamber model (ML) mouthpiece instead of Francois' signature sphere chamber model SP please? I've been thinking of ordering one of the latter to try it out but you sound great on the ML, so that is giving me pause. thanks!
Hi Guto, thanks for your comments. I bought my FL mouthpiece many many years ago, right around when they first went on sale after a few years on wooden mouthpieces (lovely sound, but a total disaster in terms of reliability and consistency). I think he had a stand at North Sea Jazz Festival and I tried all the mouthpieces they had and bought the one I liked the best. I don't remember if I tried the sphere mouthpieces or not, I just remembered that I liked the one I bought, but then it was stolen two years ago, together with my tenor. Fortunately, one of my students had an FL she wasn't using, which played great for me. I'm not much of a mouthpiece nerd, so I don't remember what numbers my old mouthpiece had, but this one felt really good, and I feel like it might have been the same measurements.
In any case, I don't know where you live but I recommend trying to go to a store where you can try a number of mouthpieces (or perhaps there are some online stores which will allow you to return mouthpieces you don't like). When I was first getting serious about my setup, I would order 5-10 different brands and models of mouthpieces, take notes and return them. Then I'd order a few different measurements of the ones I liked, take notes and return them. And finally, when I knew which model and number I wanted, I would order 3-4 identical mouthpieces and keep the one I preferred. I really think there's no substitute for trying them on your own horn. You also need to have several different reeds (even a few different brands maybe), just to make sure you're not shortchanging the mouthpiece with a crappy reed.
If you can't do the multi-step order and return, you should try to go to a good saxophone store with a big stock and rooms where you can take your time trying them out. Good luck!
P.S. I've heard some very nice things about SYOS mouthpieces, which might also be worth a look, although I've never tried them myself.
@@danielkinzelman7093 thanks for the comments! best of luck with your great Conn.
Great video Daniel! What mouthpiece are you playing on the Conn? I play a Conn 1924 NW, beautiful tenor. K ;-)
Thanks Kenny. I'm using a Francois Louis mouthpiece. It says T 315 ML on the shank.
@@danielkinzelman7093 Much appreciated! It's beautiful sound. Here's a TH-cam link to my Conn 1924 N'Wonder tenor.
th-cam.com/video/HDTDUEuNiqI/w-d-xo.html
I have a mark VI from 1971 and my conn transitional sounds better than anything what i tried so far....
Hi you could get a neck made from Karsten Gloger ... it would be in tune and sound better IMHO....
@@tuitoo its funny because my conn is tuned better than my mark6...only proble is the mechanism...cant play on it fast..
I own a naked lady and I wouldn’t change this sax for no one else. Those conns makes an amazing richer sound there’s nothing like these outside. The big problem is about ergonomics.
Yes the ergonomics are tricky. My modifications have helped a lot, but I do get some back and shoulder pain if I play for a long time, a problem I never had with my Selmer.
That's why Charles Loyd plays on a Conn...
Yeah, he seems to know what he's doing.
With all the mechanical and intonation and ergonomic issues you've had to overcome (and still deal with), it seems that while you love that horn, you don't necessarily like it. Sort of a love/hate relationship.
Hahaha I understand what you mean, and it was a long journey, but I like it quite well now :-).
Conn chu berry tenors are the best. Better than the cannonball
Is the Cannonball a contemporary instrument?
@@danielkinzelman7093 yes. It’s also a modern horn.
Haha point taken, I think I've been in Italy too long.
3:45 Yeah, ... right.
😆
@@danielkinzelman7093 How is that horn treating you two years later? Love the mods you had done on that horn. I have a '32 transitional, and I put the same RH thumb rest on mine. I also moved the strap ring down which you don't mention but I see you moved yours down quite a bit.
I love your custom LH thumb rest. Do you think your repair guy could duplicate one of those for me? I could solder it on myself.
@@pontius2520 Still really enjoying the instrument. Main disadvantage is pads sticking, I think that's a combination of my cold, humid house and the more primitive keywork not allowing a great balance between spring tension and finger effort (it feels light and good under my hands, but pads tend to stick much more than they did with my Selmer). You can try contacting my repairmain Domenico Bartolomeo here, not sure if he would consider making one for you or not, but it's worth a shot: domenicobartolomeo(at)libero.it
what difference between conn transitional and conn chu berry
It's a bit complicated, and Conn never used the name 'Chu Berry' OR 'Transitional' officially. From what I understand, both Chu Berry and Transitional are names given by collectors or musicians to saxophones made during certain periods of production of the New Wonder II (Conn's official name for the model). New Wonder IIs started production in 1924 and ended in 1935. The saxophones are roughly divided as follows:
1924-1930 are called 'Chu Berry' horns (even though Chu actually played a Transitional :-p)
1930-1935 are called 'Transitional' horns. These instruments started to incorporate some innovations that were later standardized in the 10M ('Naked Lady').
I'm sure there are a lot of people around who know more about this than I do, so please correct me if I have misunderstood something.
you sound very good,I play a tenor conn too
@@jeancanesduversaint853 thank you! The Conns are special horns. I also have a beautiful Buescher alto, planning to make a video soon about that one.
These old Conns are absolute badass horns. I play a 1444xx in pristine condition, well overhauled and I can’t get enough of the sound. I’m not seeing particular intonation issues. And I love the top register. Typically run it with a modern OttoLinks 7*-8*.
Sure it’s not a horn for machine gun 16th passages;)
Yours is delacquered?
Great sound.
Wrong neck . Taper is wrong -opens up too soon . Find a 10M neck from anywhere . Try good old eBay .(As you do )
Stop the verbosity and play
Hi Fait and thanks for your comment. You're right, I don't do much playing in this video but I wanted to highlight the history of the instrument and the modifications. I plan to do a more in depth video on the sound of the horn, but in the meantime you can check out Hobby Horse if you'd like to see some of what I did IRL before the pandemic. Here's a taste: th-cam.com/video/Zc53H_DYUiE/w-d-xo.html