New Wonder Transitional Tenor

[Yellowhorn]

I just played a honey gold-lacquered Conn New Wonder Transitional tenor (sn: M258447) today. The horn has the Conn Naked Lady on its bell and the bell keys split on both sides of the bell. 85% of its lacquer is still there. The horn has no dings or dents. Being used to my Buffet SDA and King S20, the keywork felt odd to me at first, but what I liked immediately about the horn was the SOUND of it!

The owner wants $2200 for it. Is it a good price?

[BarrySachs]

Those are great tenors. You can find them for around $1200-$1500 USD, but at that price they could require an overhaul. Also, these are the horns you find on the internet, not in a store or from a local seller.

The point here is; if you've played a Conn tenor that you like, and it doesn't need too much in the way of work, $2200 is a good price. It's not a bargain and it's not over-priced.

Good luck.

[Yellowhorn]

Thanks, Barry.

[Conn6MVIII]

I agree with BarrySachs, it also depends on condition due to the collectibility of those horns. That sounds like a transitional tenor, which are still sought after because of their sound. If you find a mint silver or gold plate model, you could expect to pay quite a bit more.

[Yellowhorn]

The gold plate on this one looks like that honey gold lacquer on The Martin or Buffet Super Dynaction. No dings, dents, or resoldered posts. The case (in bordeaux color with the emblem with Conn three marching guys and the slogan "Choice of the Artist") is still in decent conditions.