Conn Alto

Conn Alto

The AS711 alto saxophone key design allows for rectify and comfortable hand position. The yellow brass body includes ribbed construction and a detachable, reinforced body-to-bow connection for added strength and durability. Prelude bore design enhances projection. Designed as an lowcost option for beginning band students, the Prelude series of entry-level instruments combines value and performance. All instruments are built to stringent specifications and supported by our ongoing dedication to service. Each outfit includes instrument, necessary accessories, and care & maintenance instructions. Features:Left-hand table key rocker mechanism with articulated C# adjusting screw High F# key Molded mouthpiece with cap and ligature Engraved bell Neck strap Dark lacquer body and keys Cork grease Adjustable metal right-hand thumb rest #2-1/2 Reed Kid leather pads with metal resonators Hard-shell case

Conn saxophones started out in Elkhart Indiana in the late 1880′s, when a man named Gus Buescher made a saxophone at the request of sax virtuoso E.A. Lefebre, someone who had actually known Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, earlier in the 19th century in Europe. C.G. Conn was the founder and owner of the Conn musical instrument company, and some of his models from the early twentieth century are highly prized instruments that are the choice of a great deal of of the top professional saxophone players in the world. Not only that, but Conn’s inventions with saxophone design and production were highly influential to other makers of saxophones.

Conn was a shrewd businessman, too. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1892. There he introduced a bill calling for all U.S. Army regiments to have their own bands, with respective specified instruments. This, of course, resulted in a big influx of military orders for Conn instruments by the turn of the century. Conn in all probability wouldn’t get away with such a blatant conflict of interest today, but he surely knew how to keep the Conn musical instrument company productive.

Alto and tenor saxophones made their debut at the 1893 World’s Columbia Exhibition. This model was called “Wonder” and turn of the century military units employed these saxophones in their bands. Early instruments were made in silver plate, with gold-plated keys. Some were made of nickel plate, and a heap of of polished brass.

The 1920s were Conn’s heyday. The company was making instruments that were considered the “gold standard” of saxophone design. They also offered habit finishes and engraving, so that the instruments not only sounded great, they were rather finelooking as well. After World War II, Conn made a few innovative models, such as the Constellation alto sax, which is to this day highly coveted by collectors.

The “baby boom” years of the 50s caused Conn to focus more and more on student instruments for all those new school pupils. By 1960 Conn was making student saxophones in Arizona, altho professional models were still made in Elkhart. They discontinued making professional models in 1970, however. The history of Conn saxophones is rich and storied and would make an splendid book.

Conn Alto Picture

Conn Alto Image

Conn Alto Picture

Conn Alto Pic

Most helpful client reviews

1 of 1 humans found the following review helpful.
Good instrument for beginners.
By V. Ivanovskiy
Pro:
1) Good mechanical assembly, lacquer and overall quality.
2) Convenient packaging.

Cons:
1) Original mouthpiece is actually hard to play. I had to buy new one “Selmer Golden Tone 3″ which is genuinely nice to play.
2) The tone is not uniform in all registers. This problem may be partially salaried by mastering playing skill.

This is splendid instrument for it is price. I remove one star because of mouthpiece but it is rather individual.

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