1926 Conn New Wonder II “Chu Berry” Alto Saxophone - London Saxophone Shop – Superb Player
A particularly nice 1926 C.G. Conn New Wonder Series II alto saxophone, commonly known as the "Chu Berry", serial number M191772.
This is one of those saxophones where the playing quality really does stand out.
I have played quite a few vintage altos and genuinely considered keeping this one for myself because it is exceptionally free-blowing and effortless throughout the register. Low notes speak incredibly easily, the upper register is strong and responsive, and it has the big, broad vintage Conn sound these instruments are known for.
A playing video is included so that you can hear the actual saxophone being offered.
Service work
The saxophone arrived already playing extremely well, so it did not require a major restoration or full repad.
I have nevertheless gone through it carefully, including:
The existing pads are not a brand-new set, but they are currently sealing extremely well and there are virtually no meaningful leaks.
Given how beautifully the instrument is playing, I have seen no reason to replace perfectly serviceable pads simply for the sake of advertising a full repad.
Working Conn microtuner
The Conn microtuner neck is present and functioning correctly.
The mechanism turns freely and adjusts as intended.
This is one of the characteristic features of the New Wonder II and allows fine adjustment of tuning without continually moving the mouthpiece on the cork.
Original UK distributor engraving
One of the most interesting features of this particular saxophone is the additional period engraving on the body:
SOLE AGENTS
THE SAXOPHONE SHOP LTD
40 GERRARD STREET
LONDON
The Saxophone Shop Ltd were Conn’s official English agents during this period, advertising and selling Conn saxophones from their Gerrard Street premises in London.
This therefore appears to be a Conn originally supplied to the British market through its official London distributor, rather than an instrument later imported from the USA.
It is a lovely piece of provenance and something I have not commonly encountered on other New Wonder IIs.
Condition
For an instrument now approximately a century old, this example presents extremely nicely.
There are some areas where the lacquer has worn through together with the normal minor marks and scratches expected from a saxophone of this age, but overall it is very clean and attractive.
The engraving remains fairly crisp and attractive, and the additional London distributor engraving makes this particular example especially interesting.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Playing character
This is really where this particular Conn excels.
It is exceptionally responsive and free-blowing, with notes speaking almost effortlessly throughout the entire register.
The low end is especially impressive - low notes come out cleanly without having to fight for them - while the upper register remains strong, stable and responsive.
It has a wonderfully big, warm and open vintage Conn sound, and is honestly one of the nicest-playing New Wonder IIs I have had through my hands.
I was sufficiently impressed with it that I seriously considered keeping it myself.
The New Wonder II
The New Wonder II was Conn’s professional saxophone of the mid-to-late 1920s and is today commonly referred to by players and collectors as the “Chu Berry”, after the famous American saxophonist associated with Conn instruments of the period.
These are substantial, characterful American saxophones with a very different feel and sound from a modern alto.
This example retains the classic Conn features, including its microtuner neck and rolled tone holes.
Case
The saxophone comes in a more modern usable hard case.
It is not the original 1920s case, but from a practical point of view I regard this as an advantage, as it provides a much more useful and protective home for an instrument that deserves to be played.
Included
The sale includes:
No mouthpiece, stand, harness or other accessories are included unless specifically stated.
Playing video
If on eBay a playing demonstration is included so that you can hear the actual saxophone being offered. If on Reverb please contact me to request it.
With this particular instrument I would especially recommend watching the video, because its playing response is probably its greatest selling point.
Play-testing before purchase is also very welcome and encouraged.
About my saxophones
I restore vintage saxophones in my spare time because I enjoy preserving unusual and interesting instruments and bringing them back into playable condition.
My focus is primarily on getting them mechanically sound, properly regulated and enjoyable to play, rather than attempting to make old instruments look artificially new.
Each saxophone is carefully checked, regulated and play-tested before being listed, and I provide detailed photographs and a playing demonstration wherever possible.
This is a particularly nice example of a 1926 Conn New Wonder II “Chu Berry” alto, with a freely working microtuner, period Saxophone Shop Ltd London provenance and, above all, genuinely exceptional playing characteristics.
Collection, inspection and play-testing welcome.
Leak-tested and played in before listing.