1920 C.G. Conn New Wonder Series I Tenor Saxophone

Among vintage saxophone collectors and jazz musicians, the Conn New Wonder series occupies legendary status. These instruments, produced by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, Indiana through the 1920s, were the workhorses of the early jazz era and remain some of the most playable and sought-after vintage horns available. A 1920 New Wonder Series I tenor saxophone represents the beginning of this remarkable instrument's history.

C.G. Conn and the New Wonder Series

C.G. Conn was one of the earliest and most prestigious American instrument manufacturers. Founded in 1875 by Colonel Charles Gerard Conn, the company produced band instruments from its Elkhart, Indiana factory that became standard equipment for professional and amateur musicians alike.

The New Wonder series, sometimes called the "Naked Lady" saxophones for the engraving style featuring a female figure that adorned many models, was introduced around 1914 and underwent refinements through the mid-1920s. The Series I designation refers to the earlier variant with the high F# key and other specific features that distinguish it from the later Series II models.

By 1920, Conn had been making saxophones for over two decades and had developed a deep understanding of the instrument's acoustical requirements. The New Wonder tenors from this period are notable for their warm, dark tone, excellent response, and the high build quality that characterized pre-Depression American manufacturing.

Identifying a 1920 New Wonder Series I Tenor

Dating a Conn saxophone by serial number is essential for authentication. A 1920 New Wonder tenor would carry a serial number in approximately the 75,000-85,000 range (based on Conn serial number charts). The serial number is typically engraved on the back of the bell or on the body near the neck receiver.

Key identifying features of the New Wonder Series I:

• High F# key: Present on Series I, removed in later redesigns

• Rolled tone holes: The tone holes are rolled, creating a more precise seal surface than later soldered tone holes

• Original Conn Res-O-Pad pads (if unrestored): The original spring-loaded resonator pads were a Conn innovation

• Bell engraving: Many examples feature elaborate engraving on the bell. The quality and pattern of engraving varies by model and finish level

• Double arms on low C and Eb: A structural feature that distinguishes Series I from later variants

Condition Categories

Vintage saxophone condition is typically assessed across several dimensions:

Lacquer/Finish: Original lacquer on a 1920 instrument is extremely rare. Most examples have been relacquered at some point. Unrestored horns with original patina (sometimes called "raw brass" or "stripped") carry appeal for authenticity. Gold plate and silver plate options were available originally and command premiums over standard lacquer examples.

Pads: Almost every instrument requires new pads. Conn Res-O-Pads from the original era are a desirable find but rarely play-ready. A professional repad is essential for a player-condition horn.

Dents and repairs: Small dents are common and do not significantly affect playability or value. Large dents, poorly repaired dents, or solder repairs on the body are more serious concerns.

Keywork: All keys should move freely and return properly. Missing keys or broken keywork springs are repairable but factor into price.

Neck: The neck should match the body serial number era. Replacement necks are common and reduce originality.

Value Guide

Prices vary significantly based on the specific finish, whether the instrument has been professionally restored, and the originality of the components.

Why Players and Collectors Want These Horns

The New Wonder tenor saxophone produces a characteristic vintage sound that many jazz musicians specifically seek. The warm, woody tone in the low register and the focused, slightly brighter upper register respond well to the wide-range reed work of traditional jazz playing. Many tenor players who gig regularly with vintage equipment consider the New Wonder era Conn tenors to be among the finest playable instruments ever made.

The historical significance adds another dimension. These instruments were played during the birth of recorded jazz, in the speakeasy bands and dance orchestras of the 1920s. An original 1920 Conn New Wonder tenor is not just a great-sounding instrument, it is a direct connection to the formative era of American popular music.

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