Conn 10M
$885.00
Check out this legendary 1966 Conn 10M, crafted in Elkhart, Indiana. This tenor is in great shape and features a stunning natural patina where the original lacquer has worn away, giving it a true “soulful vintage” look.
As a later-era 10M, it features the same iconic build quality and performance as its predecessors but with a more modest, family-friendly engraving (no “Naked Lady”). We’ve fully overhauled it with fresh pads, felts, and corks, so it’s professionally adjusted and ready for the stage.
The horn comes complete with a vintage Conn mouthpiece and ligature, neck strap, and a functional (though well-worn) case.
1 in stock
Description
The C.G. Conn 10M, also famously known as the “Naked Lady” or “Lady Face” due to its iconic bell engraving, is one of the most celebrated professional vintage tenor saxophones ever produced. Manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana, primarily between 1935 and 1959, it is prized for its massive, warm, and flexible sound that made it the choice for jazz legends like Dexter Gordon and Lester Young.
Key Features and Variations
- Rolled Tone Holes (RTH): Models made before approximately 1948 feature rolled tone holes, which many players believe contribute to a broader, more rounded tone and better pad seating.
- “Naked Lady” Engraving: The signature engraving of a woman’s face within a pentagon on the bell is a hallmark of the model’s peak professional production era.
- Ergonomics: Known for having lightning-fast action for its time. However, it uses a vintage “inline” key layout that may feel different compared to modern “offset” saxophones.
- Microtuner Neck: Early models often included a microtuner on the neck for fine-tuning, though this feature was phased out by 1954.
- Underslung Octave Key: Later models (late 1950s) transitioned to an underslung octave mechanism on the neck, similar to modern professional designs.
Condition
We rate each horn’s condition. Any defects are noted here. Each criteria is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being poor condition and 10 being perfect.
- Body (dents, deep scratches, etc.) – 10
- Finish (lacquer, silver plate, paint, etc.) – 10 – no lacquer
- Previous repairs (soldered posts, dent work, etc.) – 10 none noted
- Accessories (case, mouthpiece, etc.) – 7 – case has seen better days
- Playability (leaks, sticky keys, etc.) – 10 – Fresh overhaul, plays like new
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