1925 Conn New Wonder II "Chu Berry" Alto Saxophone - Serviced
A particularly clean 1925 C.G. Conn New Wonder Series II alto saxophone, commonly known today as the "Chu Berry", serial number 156647.
This is a very attractive example of one of Conn's classic 1920s professional saxophones, with particularly clear engraving and a remarkably clean finish.
The instrument has now been carefully cleaned inside and out, serviced, lubricated and regulated, and is ready to be played and enjoyed.
Service work
The saxophone has been carefully gone through, including:
Unusual non-microtuner neck
One particularly interesting feature of this saxophone is the neck.
Unlike the conventional New Wonder II neck, it does not have Conn's usual microtuner mechanism.
Its shape and construction appear very similar to the type sometimes described as a Conn "New York" style neck, but I have not been able to establish its originality with certainty.
It may be an original Conn alternative neck, but it is also possible that it is a later replacement from another manufacturer.
I therefore do not want to advertise the neck as definitely original Conn or definitely a New York neck without evidence to support that claim.
What I can confirm is that it fits the instrument correctly and forms part of its current playing setup.
Please study the photographs carefully, particularly if the neck specification is important to you.
Professional octave key guide repair
When I acquired the saxophone, one of the small octave key guides around the point where the body octave mechanism meets the neck mechanism was missing.
Rather than leave this incomplete, I had a professional brass repair technician fabricate and fit a replacement guide to match the surviving original.
This can be seen clearly in the photographs.
It is a small detail, but I felt it was worth putting right properly rather than improvising a temporary solution.
Finish and condition
Cosmetically, this is a particularly attractive New Wonder II.
The lacquer is remarkably clean for an instrument made in 1925 and the extensive Conn engraving remains very clear and well defined.
Given the age of the instrument, I believe the saxophone has been relacquered at some point during its life. If so, it has been done extremely well, as the engraving has survived beautifully and the overall presentation is excellent.
There are naturally some marks, wear and areas of patina consistent with the instrument's age, but overall it presents considerably better than many New Wonder IIs encountered today.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
The Conn New Wonder II
The New Wonder II was Conn's professional saxophone of the 1920s and is now commonly referred to by players and collectors as the "Chu Berry", although this was never Conn's official model name.
These instruments are particularly known for their large, broad vintage Conn sound, rolled tone holes and distinctive 1920s keywork.
Serial number 156647 places this example firmly in 1925, very early in the New Wonder II production period.
Case
The saxophone comes with the vintage hard case shown in the photographs.
The case is not original to the saxophone and is in fairly poor condition.
One of the latches is broken and the case shows considerable age and wear. It will provide adequate protection for shipping, but I would recommend that the next owner replaces it with a modern case for regular transport and use.
I have therefore placed no real value on the case when pricing the instrument.
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 rather than having to judge it purely from photographs. If on Reverb please contact me and I will send it to you.
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 attractive early 1925 Conn New Wonder II "Chu Berry" alto, with exceptionally clear engraving, a very clean older relacquer, unusual non-microtuner neck and the missing octave key guide professionally recreated.
Collection, inspection and play-testing welcome.
Leak-tested and played in before listing.