This is a gorgeous original lacquer Conn 26M Connqueror from 1940. If you want the matched set, there's a 30M for sale in the tenors section that is just as nice, from 1939! The Conn Connqueror (pun always intended with Conn) was the most elaborately ornate and over-designed saxophone ever from Conn. It has a brilliant improvement to the keywork such that if your repairer sets the key heights once correctly, they can be permanently locked in place (or easily adjusted -- 'perm-adjust') so that all you need to do from that time forward is get pads swapped out as needed. If you're in it for the long haul, you might actually save a ton of money by buying a 26M/30M and making use of this labor-saving innovation. Even if you don't, you still get the nicest saxophone Conn ever made with special, elaborate engraving and solid silver inlaid on all key touches that are not pearl. Plus the tone is huge, powerful and projecting while never becoming shrill or piercing. I play a similar alto myself as my main alto, and I am not sure you can really beat the sound of one of these. The keywork is also really fast once you get used to it. You can burn your bebop licks like Charlie Parker (who also played a Conn at times), or you can sound warm and sweet like the Conn-dominated Ellington and Basie bands. It's really hard to beat. This one has newish pads but will need a thorough setup to play its best. That discount is built into the asking price, or I can get it done and charge you what it costs. The 26M is like 10x rarer than the 6M and also much rarer than a 5-digit Selmer Mark VI. It has great upside potential as a long-term collectible, and it is also just a ridiculously good saxophone at the same time.
