IT LOOKS AS THOUGH MOST PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE OLD SAXS C.G CO...

IT LOOKS AS THOUGH MOST PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE OLD SAXS C.G CONN 1914 JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH THEY ARE WORTH THEY ARE WORTH ONLY WHAT SOMEONE IS WILLING TO PAY FOR IT FOR IT TO BE WORTH REASONABLY MONEY IT WOULD HAVE TO BE MINT AND PLAYABLE ALOT OF THESE PEOPLE USE FOR JUST TO LOOK AT NOT TO MENTION THE ONES HIDDEN AWAY IN DUST SOMEWHERE

You do have a point. Don't forget Conn was one of the biggest instrument manufacturers in America during that era, and was quite a huge monopoly in the big band era.

Well, may I offer a general statement for the benefit of the MANY people who post here about their vintage Conn? First, it should be very evident that these horns are not rare. Conn made quite a few of them, and a surprising number of them are still around. Second, saxes made before 1930 or so are rarely seen in use by pro sax players today. There were major advances in terms of mechanism and intonation that came about in the early 1930's. Third, any old sax that has been sitting in an attic or - God forbid -- a basement for many decades is very unlikely to be playable without a shop visit and likely a complete repad. The question becomes whether it is worth the investment to make it playable.

On the other hand, YOU might like the fun of playing your grandfather's horn from time to time. But would a working pro be looking for a 1924 Conn alto? Probably not.

I'm by no means biased against vintage horns. I play a 1937 Conn 10M (Naked Lady) tenor. But it is remarkably well preserved and very well maintained. interesting to note that when I do see vintage horns in use by pros, they tend to be tenors.

I don't like telling people that the interesting ancient sax they have is not worth tons of money, but unfortunatly that's usually the case. Exception might be if you have a very old horn that is amazingly well preserved and a collector happens to be looking for one of that type.

Agreed.

Just like ... a 1914ish Conn Bass Saxophone. Now THATS something I will buy!