Conn Transitional 12M Baritone Saxophone 253xxx

Description

Well, we have been getting lucky recently by finding some of the nicest baritone saxophones in the world. One of the hardest to find in anything like good condition is the legendary Conn 12M, not to mention the transitional ones. These golden age Conn baritones were made in small numbers for a few short years and they are still easily the most desirable vintage baritone, more than any of the vintage Selmers. If you want to hear one in action, you can check out Gerry Mulligan and Harry Carney who both played this model.

The thing about vintage baris is that they are almost always in poor condition, but this horn and the other ones we have had recently have been in excellent shape. This horn is in great mechanical condition, and has a fresh overhaul by Matt Stohrer, who is one of the best techs in the business. Matt spends a lot of time on each overhaul, so you can be sure that this horn has been done RIGHT. In the course of being overhauled, it had a small dent on the back of the body tube removed by the strap hook, and another one on one leg of the low Eb key cage. The alternate F3 keyguard has also been resoldered. Besides that, it has almost all of its lacquer intact, and it has not been relacquered. The lacquer has aged to a dark honey color, and the horn just looks beautiful. The body tube is straight and the key work is nice and tight. This horn has spent most of its life in its case. It still has its original endplug even, which I have never seen before on a 12M.

It plays GREAT, with a big, warm rich Conn tone that is really hard to beat. The response is effortless, and the pads feel so snappy and “dry” under the fingers that you won’t believe that this horn is 75+ years old. Subtone is easy too – the horn plays like a tenor, if you know what I mean. It ships in a new protec contoured baritone case, because the original case is past its prime and not great for shipping.