C Melody

[TooSaxy]

Does anyone know where I can get a C melody tenor for less than $1000. I realize this is very unlikely but it worth a try, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Gandalfe]

Your in luck, C tenor or C melody saxes sell on e-bay all the time. You can get a decent one for $250 to $400. Here's one on e-bay that looks nice starting at $200. And it's a Conn straight neck which is considered to be one of the best C melody saxs for good intonation. The address is http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10184&item=3745782 947&rd=1

[Gandalfe]

You know, there are actually many C melodies on e-bay right now. Some start at $50 but the repad job will be needed to make the instrument playable.

[bariman]

I second Gandalfe's suggestion. I just bought a fixer-upper c melody sax off their for $51.00 USD!!! There is a very wide selection, as well. Just type in "c melody" into the search, and up pops around thirty-five saxes. Godd luck with your search,

Bariman

[HC]

If you decide not to deal with ebay, I found this on Charles Fail's website.

Holton C Melody #6407: Mint original saxophone in key of "C". Satin silver plate with gold plate inside bell. Has name professionally engraved inside bell. Standard low pitch with extra right hand G# key and alternate D key, and forked Eb key. Fully restored with all new pads and corks. Comes with mouthpiece and original case that's worn but still sound. Made in Elkhorn, Wisconsin in 1909! $695

www.charlesfail.com

[sax rookie]

I have the Holy Grail of C-Melodys

(putting on the salesman hat)

1923 Buescher TruTone. Ser# 133XXX, Silver plate, overhauled top to bottom with Buesher snap in pads and resos. Work done by Dave Junkdude Hoskins. Comes with original C Mel mouthpiece as well as a new Runyon C mel piece. $800.

write me at (marklahey AT comcast DOT net) for details and pics

[Jerry K.]

Ok, I'll jump in. I currently have a Conn straight neck C-Melody on eBay. It has a Buy it Now of $400 and a reserve below $300. This is an excellent undamaged example in need of polishing and pads to be a really nice horn. Listing as follows:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3746637547&ssPage Name=STRK:MESE:IT

[Dave Dolson]

Jerry: Neat. DAVE

[bariman]

I would agree with Sax Rookie that the true tones are the best c-mels. The Cons are great, but they lack a certain sound that I really injoy in a c-mel. Unfortuantely, I only came into contact with a TT for about a month, but had to sell it to chip in to the Cannonball BB fund.

Bariman

[sax rookie]

(quietly slides bariman a ten spot on the side for his Buescher plug)

The only reason I decided to let it go was to fund an Antigua sop purchase. The number of recommendations here have swayed me to look into them.

[bruce bailey]

Although the Conns play pretty well in tune, I find that the long neck makes the horn too far away from the player. I never could find a comfortable hand position.

[Dave Dolson]

Bruce: Interesting comment about the alto-style Conn necks being uncomfortable. I have never played one, but my TT C-Mel is uncomfortable with the tenor-style neck. I know we are all different, but maybe the straight-neck Conn is no different. Maybe someday I'll find out for myself. DAVE

[sax rookie]

Dave, I had my tech add a strap hook ring about 2 inches lower than the factory ring. The new ring is centered at the natural balance point and allowed the Buescher to hang much better and stopped it from wanting to bash me in the face.

[Dave Dolson]

Sax Rookie: Very interesting. I guess I'm just not THAT enamored with my C-Mel to do anything about the feel. I have enough to keep up with on sop, alto, and clarinet without adding yet another voice to my act (well, not really an act . . .). But your suggestion makes a lot of sense. DAVE

[bruce bailey]

Actually THE most uncomfortable part of the C Melody is hearing it !!! Just one opinion. I haven't played one in over 3 years and I will give it another chance. Tonight there is a gold plated Conn on ebay but it looks like someone brassoed the bell and serial number and ruined the plating. It is listed as brass finish.