Conn Saxophone Model Guide
A brief history of each major Conn sax model
Conn's saxophone history spans over a century, from the first American-built saxophone in 1888 to the end of US production. The company produced some of the most influential saxophones in jazz history — from the early Wonder models through to the legendary Conn 10M "Naked Lady" tenor and Conn 6M alto. Here's a guide to the major Conn sax models and what makes each one distinctive. Whatever vintage horn you end up with, a saxophone teacher near me can help you get it properly set up and sounding its best.
Pictured: A Conn New Wonder II — the legendary "Chu Berry" model — from the SaxTeacher UK collection. Produced between 1925 and 1930, the New Wonder II is one of the most revered vintage American saxophones, known for its warm, resonant tone and superb craftsmanship.
The Conn New Wonder II holds a special place in saxophone history. Unofficially nicknamed the "Chu Berry" after the great jazz tenor saxophonist Leon "Chu" Berry, these instruments represent the peak of Conn's 1920s craftsmanship. They feature drawn and rolled tone holes, beautifully detailed engraving, and — on many alto models — the Conn Microtuner, a built-in tuning device on the mouthpiece receiver. The warm, spread tone of a well-set-up Chu Berry is unlike anything produced today, which is why these horns continue to be sought after by professional players nearly a century later. If you have a Conn saxophone with a serial number between roughly 145,400 and 244,700, you're likely holding one of these treasured instruments — use the lookup tool above to confirm.
The Conn 10M and 6M — Serial Numbers and What to Look For
The Conn 10M tenor saxophone and the Conn 6M alto are the two most searched-for Conn models, and for good reason. Produced as part of the M-Series (Artist) line from 1934 onwards, they fall within the serial number range of approximately 260,000 to 500,000 during the Elkhart "golden age". A Conn 10M with a serial number between 260,000 and roughly 340,000 (1934–1950) will typically have rolled tone holes — the most desirable feature on these instruments. The Conn 6M alto shares the same serial number sequence and the same timeline. If your Conn serial number falls in this range, you may be holding one of the most celebrated American saxophones ever made.
The Conn 6M alto was the instrument of choice for Johnny Hodges, the legendary lead alto saxophonist of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, whose impossibly smooth tone and gliding vibrato defined the sound of the alto saxophone for generations. Hodges played a Conn 6M for much of his career, and the horn's warm, broad sound was inseparable from his musical identity. If you'd like to explore the kind of music Hodges made famous, It Was A Sound — 12 Saxophone Pieces Inspired by Johnny Hodges is a collection of original pieces written in his style, available from SaxTeacher UK.
Whether you've just identified a vintage Conn 10M Naked Lady or confirmed you own a prized Chu Berry, the next step is making it sing. If you'd like expert guidance on getting the best out of your Conn saxophone — or any saxophone — saxophone lessons are available in person in South East London and online. From beginners picking up the instrument for the first time to advanced players working on tone and repertoire, every lesson is tailored to you. Book a lesson to get started.
