Conn 26M VIII Connqueror Alto 298xxx Original

Description

The Conn Connqueror is a saxophone that happened because someone at Conn was given free rein to improve the already-great 6M to a ridiculous extent. It has the desirable VIII stamped neck, improved octave mechanism, individual perm-adjust screws on every key, so that if the horn is setup once correctly, it can then just continue to stay in adjustment with only pads swapped out for several decades or even more. On top of that, it has extensive deco engraving, and everything that your hands touch on the horn is either pearl or solid silver.

This particular horn is a time capsule that was discovered sitting across two rafters in an attic in Tennessee, just before an ancient farm house was torn down. In his haste to see what was inside, the excited person who found the case broke the latches. I am told that they can be fixed if you wanted to restore the case, which is in otherwise great shape. This sax had been waiting patiently up there as the decades flowed by in the rooms underneath, people moving in and out, children growing up and having their own children, until finally it was found. It is in totally original condition, with all the factory setup intact, including all the factory pads. You can actually play it on the original pads – that’s how good Conn’s factory pad work was in this era! But of course, for any kind of heavy playing it will need a repad done well. Fortunately, you can be sure that nobody has ever messed with this horn’s setup, and you can have your guy leave things largely as they are, if you want, and just put in a new set of Reso pads and “clean, oil, and adjust” a little. The keywork feels remarkably smooth and light under the fingers, which is the signature feel of the Connqueror keywork.

There are no dent, dings or resolders on this horn, and almost all the lacquer is intact. There’s a spot of lacquer wear on the neck where it looks like a small, flat dent was removed, but this is very minor and nothing serious. The original lacquer has aged to a dark honey color, and there is barely any play wear to speak of either. The keywork is perfectly tight, and everything is just as it should be.

This horn was made in mid 1941, just a year before the factory was converted to wartime munitions production in mid 1942. This was one of the last of the batches of Connquerors were ever made. This horn was made right at the pinnacle of Conn’s manufacturing abilities, and the company sadly never reached its pre-war peak quality again. So if you want one of the best saxophones ever made in America, this is it.

The tone is classic 6M/26M Conn, which, if you have never played one, is hard to describe, but is big, dark, full, complex, with power when necessary, but easy to play softly as well. More focused than an older Conn, but more spread than any modern horn, able to fill a room easily. It is a perfect lead alto, with a warm, projecting tone; It would also work well for classical playing because of the good intonation, dark core, and fast keywork, so you are looking at a good all-purpose saxophone.

This horn ships in a new Hiscox Pro II alto case, and you can talk to me about upgrading that to an “artist” case if you want to. The original case for this horn is also around, but it’s not recommended for safe shipping. Talk to me about including that as well, if you want that as well.