Sure we’ve all seen them in pictures. A few of us have actually seen them in person, while even fewer of us own them. What am I talking about? I’m talking about the very rare, very expensive, gem of the vintage saxophone world: the Conn 22M, Conn-O-Sax.
Source: Christi Atkins
The Conn-O-Sax was a product of Conn’s brilliant design department in the 1920s. Sadly, likely its 24M, F Mezzo-Soprano cousin, the Great Depression was a major factor in this unusual saxophone’s early demise.
Dr. Paul Cohen has written an article about these orchestral saxophones titled, The Saga of the F Alto Saxophone. Check it out to read more about the history of these fascinating horns.
Although exact production numbers of these unusual horns are not known, there are markedly fewer Conn-O-Saxes left than there are the F Mezzo-Sopranos. This, combined with their unusual shape, likely contributes to the overall collectibility and higher value of the 22M.
I recently happened to come across a recording of Rob Verdi—the American version of Saxophobia—in which he plays a 22M. If you have never had a chance to hear one for yourself, this recording will give you a sampling of what one of the rarest saxophones in the world sounds like.
Hi Helen,
I’m just fine, thank you. I hope you are also doing well?
I still have my Klinsor and I’m playing. It’s a great sax but I can’t use my ordinary mpc, Rovner D40 #8, so I use an old CZ mpc Grölsch or something like that. A fine mouthpiece, with baffle and a quite small chamber.
On the song “The Call From The Gator” I think Jackson is blowing his Conn-O-Sax in the beginnig an end of the song.
On the backsleeve information of the LP “On My Own” (Whiskey, Women, and … KM 705) Jackson tells Tony Burke:
Thomas
You can also check out the R&B honker Willis “Gator” Jackson. He was blowing a horn that he called a “gatorhorn”. It was a Conn-O-Sax. I think Paul Cohen bought Jacksons “Gatorhorn.
Hi Thomas.
How are you? Did you ever sell you Klingsor?
Thanks for the tip on the “gatorhorn”. I did a quick search but haven’t come up with anything yet. When I get a chance I’ll look more, and if I find anything, I’ll post a link here.
Take care…helen