What's it Worth - Conn 21M alto

[mark_m]

An acquaintance recently took payment for some work, in the form of a Conn 21M. It looks perfectly new, but felt like it had some minor leaks to be cleaned up.

He'd like to know what a fair value would be, if anyone has any idea. It's lacquer with what appear to be nickel keys.

Any guestimates appreciated - thanks.

[saxusa]

What type of sax is it? Is it a sop,alto,tenor,or bari? Are you sure it's not a Conn 20M? They were brass with nickel plated keys. 8)

[saxusa]

One other thing, Conn 20Ms are classified as student level horns. 8)

[Randall]

Mark, the 21M is an alto and it should have rolled tone holes.
As to the value, it is very hard to say considering I can't see it. However if it is playable and not dented or scratched up and in a good case 2~300 used is a fair to average price I'd say. You have to remember that anyone who wants a used horn is probably going to have to lay out (at the very least) a couple of hundred to get it into good playing condition.
These are student horns....and many people on this forum have maligned them, but I have played one that was surprisingly good....had a fat rich sound and seemed very sturdily built.
It was not anything like I remember the Conn student models being when I was in school.

[mark_m]

I didn't realize they were rolling toneholes again, and didn't even notice... wow. I told him probably a couple hundred but that I didn't really know. It's actually in new condition, and the plastic case looks completely new as well, so I guess I'll tell him three or 350 would be reasonable.

I'm not interested in it for myself, already have 2 altos, and he's not hoping to get rich off it...

Thanks much for the info.

[Randall]

Mark, for the cost, I would get it if I were you. I think they would make a great horn for gigging in the "less desirable" venues....
The one I played really impressed me
:!:

[mark_m]

Actually I have a second alto already, a minty MexiConn that I actually like, must have been made on a good day:)

[mark_m]

p.s. if anyone's interested in this one I can let the owner know, he's someone I just recently met back in Pgh. Pa.

[CodyW]

When did conn come back with rolled tone holes? I thought that after the war they were gone for good. The 21M was made in the usa so maybe they came back with rth right before they moved to mexico? Anyone know the years this happened?

[choiliefan]

I'm a bit late with this but have just run into a 21M Director model alto and it is impressive with (not quite but describable as) rolled toneholes and what appears to be a removable bell. Neck is standard, non tunable type. On back is USA and serial # 7424XX. Keywork and body are brass. Engraving is spartan. Any information will be greatly appreciated as I may try it out next week and make an offer.