Conn 6M question

[edgetone]

Planning to go see/try-out a 6M sn L37XXX alto selling for 600.00 from a private owner. Looks good in photo's.maybe had a relaq...but was wondering before heading out if that is is a fair price? even with a relaq? that is if its good cosmetic & playing condition. does anyone know about what yr this horn was made? & if this is know to be a good yr/model?

Thanks & Much appreciated.

[kuelbrz]

The "L" prefix in serial number makes it a 1968 make. If it is a true 6M pro it will say Conn Elkhart, Ind. in the engraving on the bell as only the pro Conns were made in Elkhart after 1962ish until 1970. If it just says Conn USA on bell with "shooting stars" engraving, it is a student model made in Nogales, AZ in 1968.

[Fungus Mungus]

$600 is high for a 6M of that vintage, especially if it's a relacq. You can get a 40s-50s 6M for that kind of money and if you're lucky, it might be original lacquer. Check ebay...they're always listed.

fm

[Sax Magic]

I agree with Fungus Mungus. $600 and some patience in looking would buy you a ready-to-play 6M from the early or mid-1950's, great players. I had one and loved it, but I had too many other great altos, so it went to someone who needed it more than I. Those horns have the Ladyface (aka "Naked Lady") engraving but not the rolled tone holes nor microtuner. They still play superbly without those items, BTW.

Also, $600 would buy you a Buescher 140 Aristocrat in ready-to-play condition, and it is a fine instrument. Rich tone, excellent intonation, and tolerance for a wide variety of mouthpiece choices make the 140 my number 2 choice of alto behind my 1967 Mark VI. Consider one if you have not, as these are highly underrated instruments.

You could get a Martin Comm 1 alto (late 1930's), a Buescher 140 (aim for a 1951), and a Conn 6M (aim for earlier than 1956) for one third of what a 1960's Mark VI costs these days, and all three are super instruments. Or get two identical ones if you play professionally, so that you have a backup with as similar a response as possible to your main horn. I prefer the variety.

Sax Magic

[bruce bailey]

Also there are a lot of Buescher TTs for that money in playing condition. Even a series IV will be about that.