Pre-Owned C.G. Conn New Wonder II "Chu Berry" Alto Saxophone - Silver Plate
For sale is an iconic piece of American jazz history: a Pre-Owned C.G. Conn New Wonder Series II Alto Saxophone, affectionately known in the saxophone community as the "Chu Berry". Bearing the serial number M204169, this instrument dates to roughly 1927, right in the middle of the roaring twenties and Conn's absolute golden era of manufacturing. Finished in stunning Silver Plate, this horn features all the legendary hallmarks of the Series II design, delivering a massive, spread, and room-filling sound that modern saxophones simply cannot replicate.
This is the holy grail for the vintage enthusiast, traditional jazz player, or big band soloist. If you are tired of the focused, heavily-centered sound of modern French or Japanese saxophones and want a horn that produces a "wall of sound," the Conn New Wonder II is unmatched. It takes a massive amount of air and rewards you with a fat, velvety lower register and a vibrant, singing upper register. Please note: vintage ergonomics (like the left-hand pinky cluster) take a little getting used to, but the acoustic reward is more than worth it!
The "New Wonder II" Advantage
- The Stamps Decoded: Stamped with an "A" (Alto) and an "L" (Low Pitch). The "L" is the most important stamp on a vintage horn, guaranteeing that it is pitched at modern A=440Hz and can be played perfectly in tune with today's ensembles.
- Nail File G# Key: The defining visual characteristic of the "Chu Berry" Series II is the cross-hatched, "nail file" texture on the G# key, designed to keep the player's pinky from slipping during fast passages.
- Microtuner Neck: A marvel of 1920s engineering, the neck features a built-in microtuner. Instead of pushing the mouthpiece in and out to tune (which alters the internal chamber volume), you simply twist the threaded ring on the neck to lengthen or shorten the tube.
- Rolled Tone Holes: Unlike standard drawn tone holes, Conn's famous rolled tone holes provide a broader, smoother seating area for the pads. This extends pad life and significantly reduces acoustic resistance, contributing to the horn's famously free-blowing nature.
Condition Report
- Finish: Silver Plate. The silver plating is in beautiful vintage condition, displaying the gorgeous, natural patina and light wear expected from an instrument approaching its 100th birthday.
- Body: Structurally Sound. This horn has survived nearly a century in fantastic shape. While it may show minor signs of its long life, there is no major trauma or damage that affects its massive resonance.
- Mechanics: The microtuner mechanism is fully functional, and the pads are seating nicely on the rolled tone holes. Our in-house repair technicians have inspected and regulated the instrument to ensure it plays with that unmistakable, roaring Conn voice right out of the case.
Specifications
- Brand: C.G. Conn
- Model: New Wonder Series II (aka "Chu Berry")
- Serial Number: M204169 (Circa 1927)
- Key: Eb Alto ("A" Stamp)
- Pitch: Low Pitch / Modern A=440Hz ("L" Stamp)
- Finish: Silver Plate
- Features: Rolled Tone Holes, Microtuner Neck, Nail File G#
- Condition: Pre-Owned / Vintage Player's Condition
Why Choose Fleming Music?
Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and fine-tuned before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find the perfect instrument or accessories!
