Saxophones Early United instrument Baritone

[scotsman]

Morning Historians.
I have just finished a United Music Instruments early Baritone sax made by Conn ser no 40388 Acording to the early United records this is 1901. Anyone got any more Gen. It plays extremly well. Pics below . Regards

 

[scotsman]

Just found a bit of spare time to play some Gerry Mulligan. I am quite shocked as it plays in tune!! From what I have found this may be a Stencil sax made by Conn at Elkhart. On the back is the patent 1119954 1914 then below B then below 40388 below L so it cannot be 1901. What we need is Sherlock Holmes. Regards

 

[scotsman]

Just found another Conn ser no list.. Looks like it is a Conn from 1917..

 

[turf3]

Just found a bit of spare time to play some Gerry Mulligan. I am quite shocked as it plays in tune!! From what I have found this may be a Stencil sax made by Conn at Elkhart. On the back is the patent 1119954 1914 then below B then below 40388 below L so it cannot be 1901. What we need is Sherlock Holmes. Regards

Why should you be shocked? Conn baritones play well in tune unless you use a wee pea shooter tiny chamber grass cutter mouthpiece.

 

[LostCircuits]

If it looks like a Conn, quacks like a Conn and walks like a Conn, then it is probably a Conn. I have a 43xxx Conn from 1917 but the caveat is that stencils often had their own serial numberings which were independent of the manufacturer's charts. One thing's for sure, if it lists the 1914 patent, then it's not a 1901, unless you have discovered a time machine in disguise.

The design of the Conn baris and bass saxes did not change very much from the 1910s to the 70s or 80s, they had it dialed in, which is really not much of a surprise. It looks like a very pretty horn after the face lift you gave it, can't do much better and I'd take it over an MK VI bari any day!

 

[PigSquealer]

Well done sir ! That one was no walk in the park. I’m sure it’s a thrill to play. I would love to see any pictures during the build.
I have a 1916 Conn tenor with the exact same pinky table. The patent number is for drawn tone holes. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few are soldered on though. That would be a fixed mishap. I have one on the bell.

 

[scotsman]

Thanks for the replies chaps.. I was surprised re the excellent tuning from a 1917 bari in this origonal condition. Especially so as I am a bit of a Conn nut. The rebuild was actually a shot in the dark to see if my rebuild skills could rescue a horn which had been dumped in a skip. After playing the horn I have decided that this is definatly going to be a keeper along with the other Conns .A couple more pics below..Regards

 

[PigSquealer]

Thanks for the replies chaps.. I was surprised re the excellent tuning from a 1917 bari in this origonal condition. Especially so as I am a bit of a Conn nut. The rebuild was actually a shot in the dark to see if my rebuild skills could rescue a horn which had been dumped in a skip. After playing the horn I have decided that this is definatly going to be a keeper along with the other Conns .A couple more pics below..Regards

Thanks for the extra pictures. Must be the year of the Krusty baritone. I have a great appreciation for what you’ve accomplished there. Yeah it’s a good test of skills. Very rewarding when completed.
I have a alto, tenor and the Van Marle bari you’ve probably seen here. All in “stored on patio” condition. You never know when you might need some extreme skills testing.

 

[LostCircuits]

Thanks for the replies chaps.. I was surprised re the excellent tuning from a 1917 bari in this origonal condition. Especially so as I am a bit of a Conn nut. The rebuild was actually a shot in the dark to see if my rebuild skills could rescue a horn which had been dumped in a skip. After playing the horn I have decided that this is definatly going to be a keeper along with the other Conns .A couple more pics below..Regards

Enjoy those dual octave keys! They are a PITA until you get used to them but then you can also just overblow into the upper register.

 

[turf3]

It has the automatic octave key; it's just that the D and Eb touches are shaped a bit oddly to our modern eyes.

 

[LostCircuits]

It has the automatic octave key; it's just that the D and Eb touches are shaped a bit oddly to our modern eyes.

I stand corrected. After looking at it again I see where I got misled.