Conn New Wonder 1 Tenor Gold Plated 134xxx

Description

My favorite vintage Conn tenor that I have ever played was a 134xxx in silver. Ever since then I have kept my eye out for nice horns of this vintage. They have a huge, warm spread tone and tons of resonance all up and down the body tube. Lester Young played this model, SN 144,444 so you can go listen to Prez and get an idea of what this horn can do (with the right player!). Throw on a vintage, large chamber mouthpiece like a ToneMaster or a Master Link and you have instant 30’s big band tenor sound.

This horn just got back from a good overhaul with correct flat metal resonators, and it exceeded even my high expectations. It is HUGE and warm and velvety smooth playing. It’s really a joy to play. With burnished gold plate and an incredible portrait engraving, who could ask for more in a saxophone?

It has certainly been played and loved in the past. You can see that a few of the key guards have been resoldered, along with the body side of the bell body brace. The plating is worn through to the brass by the thumb hook and the octave key, showing that this horn was played a LOT, but was meticulously cared for at the same time. Often the best horns are that way. I still miss the last one of these that I had.