C-Melody Question for Paulwl

[Roger Aldridge]

Hi Paul!

Given how you've experimented with curved and straight necks on your c-melody, could give me your impressions of them?

I'm giving serious thought to getting a late model straight neck Conn. I recently had some work done on my early model curved neck c-mel. The horn was improved in several ways. However, it's become clear to me that it has some problems that are not likely going to be corrected. Thus, I'm thinking about upgrading to a later model horn.

One thing I'm most curious about regarding the straight neck Conns is whether they are easier blowing and less "stuffy" than the curved neck models. I'm also wondering if the angle of the neck makes it physically easier to play than the curved neck. What's your take on this?

Thanks, Roger

[paulwl]

Roger, here were my initial impressions from October of 2002 (posted on the C Melody Forum at eesite.com):

1. The playing position is less comfortable due to the horn being about 3 1/2" higher on one's body than the straight neck C. It puts a bit of a crick in the right elbow. OTOH, the left hand fingering feels a little more "under the hand" and immediate.

2. The tone is a little darker, more delicate, more altolike somehow. I don't notice any intonation problems. In fact the low end is less sharp than with the straight neck, and doesn't seem to break up as easily.

Overall, the C now feels more like an overgrown alto and less like a wimp tenor. I think I'm going to like having the choice.


I'll stick by these, I think.

I thought for a while that the curved neck might make the low B and Bb break up less. But I now find the difference to be negligible. I think breakup is due to several factors, #1 being slack C melody chops.

HTH!

[OLDAIR]

Roger,

I have a Conn Pan Am C and a Conn straight neck New Wonder. I basically rebuilt the Pan Am and was pleasantly surprised at how free blowing it is and it's rather gutsy sound. It has surprisingly good intonation too and actually seems less fussy about key heights and mouthpieces than my straight neck Conn. I don't like the playing position of the curved neck at all however. As a matter of fact I am selling the Pan Am on Ebay this weekend. See the marketplace postings for details.