Vintage 1934 Conn 6M Artist Naked Lady Alto Saxophone with Case

This is a vintage 6M Artist Eb alto saxophone made by the Conn company of Elkhart, Indiana, also known as the Lady Face or Naked Lady model because of the engraved illustration on the bell (see close-up photos of the hand engraving).  The sax bears the serial number of M262933A, which dates it to 1934, an early production of this model.  Charlie “Bird” Parker often played a 1935 Conn 6M Naked Lady with the serial number of M265110 during the development of bebop - he also played other models such as a King Super 20 and a Selmer, but his use of that particular Conn is well documented.  The 6M is known for its rolled tone holes, which contribute to a full, resonant sound.  The key action is heavier than modern saxophones, but the tactile response is appreciated by professional players.

The sax comes with its original case and canvas cover.  The zipper pulls of the canvas cover are missing their tabs and the cover has soiling and staining, while the case is a little banged up on the exterior, a sign that this sax was used but well protected by the case over the years.

The lacquer has some wear / scratching, but is original and generally pretty good for a saxophone of this age - please view all of the photos that I have provided.  The saxophone appears to retain its original neck (please view as it doesn't have the underslung octave key or micro tuner, but it fits well and I do believe that Conn used top mounted octave keys during the transitional period), and with rolled tone holes typical of early Conn 6M instruments. The tone holes appear straight and undamaged and the horn does not appear to have been re-lacquered.  There are no dings or dents.  Should you require close-up photos of any aspect of the sax, please email me, although I believe that I’ve covered most of what needs to be seen in the photos supplied.

A local woodwind technician examined the instrument and advised me that the pads appear quite old and that the saxophone would benefit from a full repad and setup.  Rather than have that done myself, I prefer to sell the sax “as is” at a price that allows for re-padding, and lets the new owner have whatever work they may want to have done.  This is not only a fine instrument, it is a piece of jazz history and deserves to be worked on by someone specializing in vintage saxophones.  

The Conn Naked Lady is considered to be amongst the finest saxophones ever produced and the 1934 production year is in the sweet spot for this particular model - probably the first year that Conn settled design issues after a couple of earlier transitional years.  The sax is meant for use by experienced players.

This Conn 6M saxophone will be shipped well protected by a commercial courier service, fully insured.