1926 Conn New Wonder II Alto. I call this horn "The Ugly Hero"
This is a perfect example of an abused horn brought back to life; And of a horn at which many repair techs, and most saxophone snobs, would turn their nose up asking, "Why bother? It's a dog." I most vehemently disagree.
True, this horn was once far more beautiful than it is today; particularly because it was gold plated, and featured a favorite Conn engraving. That being the framed lake scene. Well, due to cosmetic wear, someone decided to have it stripped of its plating and lacquered. It boggles the mind.
And that is the deal breaker for many. But this horn has significant sentimental value to its owner and a full mechanical restoration was going to make this horn new again.
I call it The Ugly Hero because the work in the restoration was so extensive, I felt like I was resurrecting an old retired champion. And knew that with the right mechanical TLC, this horn, like its many New Wonder counterparts, would be such fun to play. But more so still, due to its lengthy arduous path back to the light.
And boy was I right. After play testing this horn I coveted it. Worn engraving, eaten up pearls, and cosmetic blemishes and all. It got a full spring replacement. All new hinge rods made: the rods were over sized and the hinge tubes were reamed to accept the new rods. Fifteen solder joints. Hinge tube bushings. New hinge tubes where the old ones were worn excessively and so on. The action on this Ugly Hero is fast, smooth, snappy, and comfortable.
I love this horn.
This is a perfect example of an abused horn brought back to life; And of a horn at which many repair techs, and most saxophone snobs, would turn their nose up asking, "Why bother? It's a dog." I most vehemently disagree.
True, this horn was once far more beautiful than it is today; particularly because it was gold plated, and featured a favorite Conn engraving. That being the framed lake scene. Well, due to cosmetic wear, someone decided to have it stripped of its plating and lacquered. It boggles the mind.
And that is the deal breaker for many. But this horn has significant sentimental value to its owner and a full mechanical restoration was going to make this horn new again.
I call it The Ugly Hero because the work in the restoration was so extensive, I felt like I was resurrecting an old retired champion. And knew that with the right mechanical TLC, this horn, like its many New Wonder counterparts, would be such fun to play. But more so still, due to its lengthy arduous path back to the light.
And boy was I right. After play testing this horn I coveted it. Worn engraving, eaten up pearls, and cosmetic blemishes and all. It got a full spring replacement. All new hinge rods made: the rods were over sized and the hinge tubes were reamed to accept the new rods. Fifteen solder joints. Hinge tube bushings. New hinge tubes where the old ones were worn excessively and so on. The action on this Ugly Hero is fast, smooth, snappy, and comfortable.
I love this horn.