VINTAGE CONN 50M DIRECTORS MODEL SHOOTING STAR ALTO SAXOPHONE -PLAYS ON OLD PADS

Description: THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MY AUCTION. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION AND MY POLICIES BEFORE PLACING YOUR BID. Check out my other items!Be sure to add me to your favorites list!This listing is for a Conn (USA) alto saxophone. This is a 50M 'Director's Model'. These were made in Nogales, AZ at the former 'Art Best' (Coin-Art) factory, which Conn bought out somewhere around 1960. The serial number on this horn is 9333. This is a serial number from the Best company though, so it can't be used to date the horn from Conn serial number lists. I don't know exactly when this was made, but it was probably sometime in the early to mid 1960's. This horn has Conn's iconic 'shooting star' engraving, so this model is more commonly known by that moniker. See the product in action. This horn is playing well from top to bottom on what are likely its original pads. I won't say that it is in 100% optimum playing condition, but a leak light inspection reveals the pads are sealing surprisingly well. Most players will find this more than acceptable as is (especially for a horn at this price point). Short of doing a full repad, this is about as good as you're likely to get it. Physically speaking, this horn is in very good condition. The body looks straight, and the neck has not been pulled down. The mouthpiece receiver and neck tenon are round, as is the neck receiver on the body. The neck fits easily into the receiver but won't budge once the screw is tightened. There are no dents or dings. Maybe there is a tiny nick somewhere, but you'd be hard pressed to find it. The bow guard curvature has not been distorted. The rim of the bell has not been bent. I don't see any re-soldered joints. The keys are all moving freely and rebounding properly, and the rollers are turning. The lacquer finish is mostly intact, but it has significantly darkened and discolored with age. There is something about the lacquer they used on these that makes it prone to doing this. Virtually every Conn from the Art Best factory looks like this. Some people might not like it, but I think it looks kind of cool! The pads have flat metal resonators. They are most likely original. They are definitely showing their age, but still sealing surprisingly well. That is not to say perfect...a leak light inspection reveals some small leaks...but better than I would have expected. The neck cork is well worn and compressed. This horn comes in its original case. The case is in very good condition for its age. One of the latches does not spring open, but it still engages. The handle is intact. There are only a few small spots where the exterior covering is scuffed away. The interior is in very good condition. It is clean and odor-free. There is no mouthpiece, nor any other accessories included, however I will ship it with a plastic end plug. Please feel free to message me with any questions! Thanks again for looking!

Price: 99.99 USD

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

End Time: 2024-12-03T01:59:30.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD