Sax values - an enquiry (moved)

[saxismyaxe]

Griff is correct,
That is indeed a Director student model 14M. Along with the serial number, the Wire keyguards instead of sheet metal ones confirm it's earlier, 1956 manufacture date, which is a good thing. Later models often display shoddy workmanship, and are less desirable.
The Earlier models such as yours are the best of the lot as "Shooting Star" models go.

In fact, you can assume this to have been made in Elkhart, not Nogales, as Conn didn't begin moving their student horn production to the ex Best Manufacturing plant in Nogales, AZ until 1959/1960. Also a good thing.

Not as valuable or desirable as the professional model Conns (New Wonder I and II, Artist "Ladyface" and 26M/30M models etc.) but if you like the way it plays and sounds, more power to you.

Don't sink a lot of money into it however, if it is your desire to recoup it later when selling it. These are abundant and go for little money in the best of condition.

 

[jools]

Wow. Sweet. Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

At first, my intention was to renovate and sell, but the more I've worked on it, the more I feel it might just make a 'keeper'. When I first got it, it was fried. I mean really thrashed, but I could blow the first octave and it was big and fruity. Now that I've been all over the thing and can see and feel the sheer ruggedness of it, I think I'll get it up to good playing condition and hang on to it. Specially, if as you say, the resale value is not a huge amount.

 

[saxismyaxe]

These make nice sounding horns, with the classic American dark, spread, typically Conn tone. Most quips are with the later era Director horns (after the move to Nogales) where the workmanship and quality of the keywork really took a nose dive. Those have softer, flimsier keywork and rods that cause the horn to go out of adjustment and leak, and the workmanship regarding the fit, finish (especially the body/bell/bow fit) is less than wonderful on many examples.

The infamous, later "Mexiconn" horns being the most berated. I've sampled a few USA made Director horns from as recent as the early 1980's that were pretty awful as well though.

The early ones like yours (right around the time that the Pan American was dropped, and the Director model took it's place c. 1956 to about 1960 or so) are still well made, and worthy horns in most cases.

If you can get your hands on a later 6M/10M horns, these are still fine pro horns. They were built by Conn's senior craftsmen of the time at the Elkhart IN facility right up till the end of the line c. 1970/71. These are the ones with sheet metal guards and no lady face engraving. An "Artist" horn without the high price tag of the earlier versions.

Cheers.