Conn 10M Transitional Tenor Saxophone 269xxx

Description

If you are in the market for a truly great 10M, you have come to the right place. I have spent the last several months trying to find a handful of great vintage Conn tenors, and this is one of them for sure. It is a late transitional 10M (notice no 10M stamp by the serial number quite yet) and it is original lacquer. This horn is set up for a serious player, with the modifications that everybody does to these horns for better ergonomics– namely, the strap ring has been moved for better balance, and the thumb hook was replaced with a more comfortable one. Other than that the horn is stock. In terms of past damage, the neck has been pulled down and at some point, and it is now back at the correct angle. The rest of the horn looks very good, with nothing but the usual lacquer wear from use. The pads are medium-old. The horn plays really well as is, but I’m planning to get it overhauled asap. It’s being sold now as-is, but in terms of playing, this is one of the really good 10M’s. These horns – clean, original and optimized for playing, are the reason why the 10M has the kind of reputation that it does. Anyone player who gets this horn is going to be really happy with it. The quintessential 10M sound is a combination of spread, warmth and a medium dark tone, with a certain contained quality. It’s not as huge as the split bell key Conns but it’s way bigger of a sound than a Selmer or other French saxophones. The body tube resonates big time, and the keywork is fast and (to me) very comfortable after I stop trying to make it a modern horn and love it for what it is. Intonation is good as well. This horn ships in a protec contoured case, but other options are possible as well, if you want to talk to me about it.