Conn - is this a Chu Berry?

[Djangette]

Hi Sax People,

Trying to get my info correct before this horn goes to Yard Sale and/or ebay.

I think it's a New Wonder, but not sure if I or II or what and wonder if it's one that is aka Chu Berry? The first bit of serial number is bit rubbed at the bottom so I'm guessing first three numbers from shape of tops only which is why I stuck ? in it.

I think Lester Young played one of these, but mine is better condition 🙂 Plays well, pads/mechanics/corkage good (tiny ding on side of bell and very few surface playing scrath marks).

Engraved on bell: MADE/BY/C.G. CONN.ELKHART/IND./U.S.A.

On back of body: PATD. DEC. 8 1914/149?354/T/M172142/L. Lacquer in excellent condition. Henri Selmer 6* ebonite mouthpiece. 1925/26?.

Am thinking ?800-?1,000 - any inputs?

Thanks

 

[thomsax]

Yes, Chu Berry played on a Conn M - modell, " New Wonder", "Big Bore" or "Chu Berry". There was no offical model called "Chu Berry".

I have pictures of Lester Young were he was playing on a 10M as well. Didn't play on a Selmer at the end?

Thomas

 

[griff136]

Conn new wonder II is commonly know as the Chu berry.

these saxes have a nailfile G# key,

compare your sax with the ones on this site

www.saxpics.com

 

[Djangette]

Well it says on sotw that it is called Chu Berry - even though Chu Berry played on a 'Transitional' and not a New Wonder <gets confused>

Do you agree on my estimate of age according to serial number? Conns are a bit confusing.

Bless Lester Young - I believe he wasn't that fussy! lol - I just came across similar horn while googling (that's it, same mother of pearl buttons, etc), it had testimonial from Lester Young and the serial number was very close, it was with Billie Holliday's gardenia. Sorry have lost the link, will post it if I find it.

What marque of Selmer?

 

[Djangette]

Thanks Griff,

is this the G# nailfile key thingie?

Please say yes, then I'll know I have a New Wonder II

 

[griff136]

the picture aint that great but if your G# has cross hatching on it for grip (and looks like a nail file)rather than a smooth G# key then its a new wonder II

 

[Djangette]

Thanks Griff,

Sorry about the rebound from the flash - anyway it's all smooth so must be New Wonder I? So NOT a Chu Berry? Is this correct?

 

[griff136]

if the G#key is not cross hatched then Your sax is a "New Wonder 1"

Chu berry actually played a Conn Transitional/ aka tranny but the saxes were never named after him. Having said that, New wonder 2 horns are commonly referred to as Chu horns.

 

[Djangette]

Okies, thanks Griff,

I'm happy now I know it's New Wonder 1.

Do you know what other improvements or differences there were between NW1s and 2s?

Why on earth would people call a horn after someone who never played it? *sigh*