Conjoined Saxophones

This week a fellow saxophone player posted something to his FB feed that was so unusual, that it just left me scratching my head, and asking: Conjoined saxophones? Why would anyone create a saxophonic freak show like this?

Source: mississippiusa on eBay.com

Why would anyone go to the trouble and expense of doing this? What is the purpose of this horn?

Before anyone likens this bizarre eBay horn to Adolphe Sax’s seven-belled, six-valved, chromatic trombone…

Source: By Robin Davis [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

… the thing to consider in the case of the above-shown trombone, is that no matter how idiosyncratic the tuning might have been, the seven bells actually had purpose, and were connected via valves.

In the case of this quirky horn for sale currently on eBay, the second bell doesn’t seem to be connected via keywork at all.

Source: mississippiusa on eBay.com

Source: mississippiusa on eBay.com

In a totally un-PC comparison, it reminds me of those freak show pics we used to see from the early 20th century that depicted people with extra limbs.

Yup, you read this right. I just compared a custom horn to a sideshow performer…. I am definitely not feeling particularly generous or PC ATM. 😉

Alrighty then, getting back to the saxophonic freak show currently for sale on eBay, here is how the owner describes the double-belled oddity:

ITEM:
*King 516 with Conn Shooting Star Custom Made Double Bell Saxophone USA w/ Case
FEATURES:
*PLEASE ASK ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING
*This is a custom made double bell saxophone. The main saxophone (we believe) is a Conn Shooting Star saxophone (the logo has worn completely). The 2nd half of the saxophone is a King 516.
*We believe both saxophones where made in the USA.
*Serial number: 974347

*We are not musical experts. All information is based on our best guess.

INCLUDES:
*Please see photos of what’s included
*King 516 with Conn Shooting Star Custom Made Double Bell Saxophone USA w/ Case
*Custom Made Hard Wood Case
*No Brand Neck

*Only includes items shown in pictures.
CONDITION:
*MUST HAVE BOTH USA PayPal & USA eBay ACCOUNTS.
*We purchased this saxophone for the purpose to re-sale. We do not know the history of this saxophone. We believe this saxophone was custom made. We do not know by whom. The 2nd bell of the double saxophone is a King 615. We believe the other part of the saxophone is a Conn Shooting Star. The “Conn” part of the logo is gone but the stars match. The serial number is 974347. We believe both parts of the saxophone were made in the United States. There are no logo or marks on the neck.
Keys move. Pads have visible wear from previous use. There are numerous scratches/nicks/scuff marks on the saxophone body and neck. These are very noticeable. There is heavy wear on the finish of the keys and saxophone body. This is very noticeable. There is visible corrosion on the keys and body. There are dark spots of discoloration on the saxophone body. While discoloration is visible, all discoloration is cosmetic only.Around the lips of the bells, there are numerous nicks in the finish. There is some light rust and tarnish in some places where the finish has worn.
This is noticeable. Bells appear to be slightly warped. There are numerous small shallow dents on the bottom of bow and on the bell. We are not musical experts and are not sure how these dents effect the instrument. All the finish has worn on the neck. There are visible scratches/scuff marks on the outside case. There are some small noticeable chips in the paint on the outside of the case. Inside lining has wear from previous use. On the outside hardware, there is some visible wear on the finish. On the outside hardware, there is some visible rust. Latches work great. Saxophone and case need serious cleaning. The cork on the neck has some noticeable wear and discoloration. Does not come with mouthpiece. This saxophone has been heavily used and there is very visible wear reflecting this. We are not musical experts. We are not responsible for any repairs that might be needed. We do not offer partial refunds. We will not issue partial refunds. We ask that you please grade with your own opinion. Please see all pictures. Additional pictures available upon request.
*PLEASE SEE ALL PHOTOS
*USA BIDDERS ONLY

Step Right Up and See The World’s Only Conjoined Saxophones

OK, so someone took two student model saxophones and conjoined them together. Take a look at the custom horn and see what you think….

In no particular order, here are some of the questions that have come to my mind when looking at this conjoined saxophone:

• Why did someone make it?
• Was it a school project?
• Was it just for fun?
• Was it perhaps as a movie or stage prop?
• Was it used in some other kind of act?
• Why go to the expense of having it silver plated?
• Why add 3 strap rings?
• Why use student models horns?
• Was this perhaps a prototype?
• Was another made after using better saxophones?
• Why make it a custom case?
• Is the second bell connected to the bow in some way that allows for the air to flow through it?
• If so, what, if anything, does that do to the playability of the actual saxophone?

This conjoined saxophone does remind me of Sarah Paulson’s characters Bette and Dot Tattler in AHS’s Freakshow. Sorry, can’t help myself. Once I got on this freak show track I couldn’t derail the train.

Source: YouTube

Move over Elsa Mars, there will soon be a new freak show owner in town

Since freak shows and side shows all more or less died out in the middle of the last century, the days of carnival tents featuring oddities like conjoined twins, bearded women, tiny people, and extra strong men are all well in our rear views. However, if you would like to own a saxophonic freak show act of your very own, these conjoined saxophones are available to you for a very limited time.

When I first start watching this auction a few days ago I was shocked to see the price then already. As I write this, I’m even more shocked. In total there are 18 bids on this custom horn, and the highest bid price is $1,225.00. WTF? Ya, buying freaks was never cheap…. Sigh….

So if you want to make these conjoined saxophones your very own, you have to live in US. (The seller makes it clear that they will under no circumstances sell to anyone outside the US). Provided you meet the residency requirements, then you only have 3 more days to make that happen, since the auction for this saxophonic oddity ends on Tuesday, August 7.