Conn New Wonder "Chu Berry" Alto Saxophone

Quick Value Summary

Condition	Finish	Estimated Value
Needs full overhaul, dents/damage	Silver plate	$400 - $800
Playable, decent pads, original silver	Silver plate	$650 - $1,000
Fully overhauled, original silver plate	Silver plate	$1,200 - $2,500
Fully overhauled, original gold plate	Gold plate	$1,500 - $3,500
Gold plate with "artist" engraving and MOP touches	Gold plate	$2,000 - $4,500+
Relacquered (any condition)	Relacquer	Deduct ~25% from above

Values based on Sax Gourmet's Vintage Saxophone Value Guide (dealer prices for instruments in perfect playing condition with 100% original finish), Saxquest dealer listings, and Sax on the Web forum reports. Serial number range: approximately 150,000 to 240,000 (mid-1920s to early 1930s).

A Bar Fight, a Rubber Mouthpiece, and a Saxophone Empire

The story of the Conn "Chu Berry" alto starts with a punch to the face. In 1873, Charles Gerard Conn got into a brawl at a bar in Elkhart, Indiana, that left him with a split lip. As a cornet player, this was a career problem. His solution was to develop a brass mouthpiece with a vulcanized rubber rim that made playing comfortable despite the injury. He converted an old sewing machine into a lathe and started manufacturing these mouthpieces from a shop above a drugstore in Elkhart.

From that humble beginning, C.G. Conn grew into one of the largest and most important musical instrument manufacturers in the United States. By the 1910s, the company was producing brass instruments, woodwinds, and, crucially, saxophones. Conn was among the earliest American saxophone manufacturers, and by the 1920s their factory in Elkhart was turning out instruments that would define the sound of the Jazz Age.

The "New Wonder" designation first appeared around 1914-1918, marking a new generation of Conn saxophones. These early New Wonder Series I horns introduced features like drawn tone holes (licensed from flute maker William S. Haynes under patent 1,119,954), the Conn Microtuner (a device built into the neck receiver for fine-tuning pitch), and the Conn Resopad. Rolled tone holes, which provide a smoother seating surface for pads and are still prized by players today, were introduced around 1917-1920.

The New Wonder Series II: What We Actually Mean by "Chu Berry"

The saxophone commonly called the "Chu Berry" is the Conn New Wonder Series II, produced roughly from serial number 150,000 to 240,000 (approximately 1924 to 1930). Here's an important piece of context that even many saxophone dealers get wrong: Conn never called these horns "Chu Berry." That nickname was applied retroactively by players and dealers, and it's actually based on a misidentification.

Leon "Chu" Berry (1908-1941) was a brilliant tenor saxophonist who performed with Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway, and many other bands during the 1920s and 1930s. He was famous for playing Conn saxophones. But according to saxophone historians (and Berry's own Wikipedia entry corroborates this), Berry actually played a model known as the Conn "Transitional," which came after the New Wonder Series II in the production sequence. He is not known to have ever played a New Wonder Series II.

Nonetheless, the name stuck. In the saxophone world, "Chu Berry" means the New Wonder Series II, and everyone knows what you're talking about. It's one of those cases where the incorrect name has become the standard term through decades of use.

What Makes the "Chu Berry" Special

So why do players and collectors seek out a saxophone that's nearly 100 years old? Several reasons:

The Sound: Players describe the Chu Berry as having a massive, lush, dark tone with an exceptionally powerful low end. The bore design and tone hole placement create a sound character that modern saxophones don't replicate. This isn't nostalgia talking. Professional saxophone players in 2025 actively choose these instruments for recording sessions and live performance because of their sonic qualities.

Free-Blowing Feel: The Chu Berry has a reputation for being exceptionally responsive and easy to blow. The resistance profile is different from modern horns, giving players a sensation of openness that many find addictive.

Build Quality: These horns were made during what many consider the golden age of American instrument manufacturing. The metalwork, engraving, and overall craftsmanship reflect a period when Conn was at the height of its manufacturing capabilities.

The Aesthetics: Original silver-plated Chu Berry altos with their ornate bell engravings are genuinely beautiful objects. The combination of matte silver on the body with burnished silver engraving panels on the bell is distinctive and elegant.

Identification Guide

Serial Numbers

The New Wonder Series II ("Chu Berry") falls in the serial number range of approximately 150,000 to 240,000. You'll find the serial number engraved on the body of the instrument, typically on the back near the thumb rest area. Conn serial number charts are available at saxophone.org and can date your instrument to a specific year.

Key Physical Features

• Rolled tone holes: The rim of each tone hole is curled outward, creating a smooth, rounded edge. This is visible if you look at the tone holes from the side.

• Split bell keys: The low B and Bb keys are on opposite sides of the bell, rather than stacked together.

• "Nail file" G# key: A distinctive feature of Conn saxophones from this era.

• Microtuner: A mechanism in the neck receiver that allows fine pitch adjustment. Look for a knurled ring around the neck socket.

• Pearl key touches: Mother of pearl inlays on the main stack keys.

• Pearl rollers: On the pinky cluster keys.

• Front F mechanism: An alternate fingering key for high F.

• Right-hand G# trill key: Standard for 1920s Conn saxophones.

Series I vs. Series II

The transition from Series I to Series II isn't a hard cutoff. Generally, Series I horns are earlier (pre-150,000 serial numbers) and have some different keywork details. The Series II introduced refinements in key placement and mechanism design. If you're looking at a horn and aren't sure which series it is, the serial number is your best guide.

High Pitch vs. Low Pitch

This is critical. Early saxophones were made in two pitch standards: "High Pitch" (A=456 Hz) and "Low Pitch" (A=440 Hz, the modern standard). Look for an "H" or "HP" stamped near the serial number for High Pitch, or "L" or "LP" for Low Pitch. High Pitch instruments cannot play in tune with modern ensembles without significant modification, which destroys their collectible value. Low Pitch instruments are what you want if you plan to play the horn.

Value by Condition

The Sax Gourmet Vintage Saxophone Value Guide provides dealer-level pricing for instruments in perfect playing condition with 100% original finish. For the New Wonder "Chu Berry" range (150,000 to 240,000):

• Alto: $1,200 base (silver plate, perfect condition)

• Tenor: $1,500 base

• Soprano (straight): $2,000

• Soprano (curved): $2,500

• Baritone: $2,000

• C Melody: $1,000

• Bass: $8,000+

Add 20% for gold plate. Add 40% for gold plate with "artist" engraving and mother of pearl key touches.

Deduct for needed repairs. A saxophone that needs a full overhaul (complete repad, regulation, and possibly dent work) will cost $800 to $1,500 from a qualified vintage saxophone technician, so factor that into your purchase price.

Relacquered instruments (horns that have been stripped of original silver or gold and given a new lacquer finish) are generally worth about 25% less than examples with original finish.

Market Reality Check: Values for Chu Berry altos have actually declined since their peak around 2007-2010. At that time, a freshly overhauled silver plate example could regularly fetch $1,300. The market has softened somewhat, with forum reports from recent years suggesting $650 to $850 for a silver plate Chu in playing condition without significant body damage. Fully overhauled examples from established dealers like Saxquest list for $2,000 to $2,500, reflecting the dealer markup and the cost of professional restoration.

Common Issues and What to Watch For

Dents: Nearly every 90+ year old saxophone has some dents. Minor body dents are cosmetic and don't affect playability much. Dents on the neck, bow, or near tone holes are more serious and can affect intonation and response. Dent removal on vintage horns runs $50 to $200+ per dent depending on location and severity.

Worn Pads: Original pads from the 1920s are essentially always shot. Budget for a full repad ($800 to $1,500) unless the seller specifically states the horn has been recently overhauled.

Plating Wear: Some wear on high-contact areas (thumb hook, neck strap ring, octave key) is normal and expected. Extensive plating loss significantly reduces value.

Soldering Issues: Vintage Conn key guards and braces can develop loose solder joints over time. A competent repair tech can fix these, but it's something to check.

Missing Parts: The Microtuner mechanism, original neck, and octave key mechanism are the parts most commonly missing or replaced. A non-original neck significantly affects value and playability, since the neck is crucial to the instrument's tone and intonation.

Authentication and Fakes

Outright counterfeiting of vintage Conn saxophones is virtually nonexistent. The cost and complexity of fabricating a 1920s saxophone from scratch would far exceed the instrument's market value. The real concerns are:

• Misrepresented serial number ranges: Sellers calling a Conn "Wonder" (pre-150,000) or a "Transitional" (post-240,000) a "Chu Berry" to command a higher price. Always check the serial number.

• Relacquered instruments sold as original finish: A fresh lacquer job can look great but reduces value by 25%. Original silver plate has a characteristic aged patina that's difficult to replicate. Look for wear patterns consistent with decades of handling.

• Replaced necks: An original Conn New Wonder neck will have a matching serial number or at least period-correct construction. Third-party replacement necks are common because original necks get damaged.

• "Frankenhorns": Instruments assembled from parts of multiple saxophones. Check that the serial number on the body matches the general era of all the keywork and hardware.

Where to Buy and Sell

Specialized Saxophone Dealers: Shops like Saxquest (saxquest.com), Tenor Madness, and Matt Stohrer specialize in vintage saxophones. They overhaul instruments before selling, authenticate them, and stand behind their sales. Expect to pay a premium ($2,000 to $2,500 for an overhauled Chu Berry alto) but you get a playing instrument with a return policy.

Sax on the Web Forum (saxontheweb.net): The largest online saxophone community has an active classifieds section. Private sales between forum members are common. No platform fees, but reputation-based trust. This is where knowledgeable buyers and sellers congregate.

eBay: Wide selection but highly variable quality. Many eBay-listed vintage saxophones are sold "as-is" by people who don't know what they have. This can be an opportunity if you know what to look for, or a trap if you don't. Fees are approximately 13% for the seller.

Local Instrument Shops and Pawn Shops: Occasionally, vintage Conns surface at general music stores or pawn shops at below-market prices. This is increasingly rare as information about vintage saxophone values has become widely available online.

Selling Costs: At the $1,000 to $2,500 value range, eBay fees will run $130 to $325. Shipping a saxophone safely costs $50 to $100 with proper packing (hard case inside a shipping box with padding). Consignment through a specialty dealer typically involves a 15-25% commission but reaches the right buyers.

The Overhaul Question

If you buy an unrestored Chu Berry (the most common scenario), you'll need to budget for an overhaul before the instrument is reliably playable. A full overhaul from a qualified vintage saxophone technician includes:

• Complete repad with appropriate pad style

• Spring replacement or adjustment

• Key regulation

• Dent removal (if needed)

• Cork and felt replacement

• Cleaning and preservation of original finish

Cost: $800 to $1,500, with the higher end reflecting extensive dent work or other complications. Turnaround time: typically 4 to 12 weeks, as qualified vintage sax techs are in high demand.

Not all repair technicians are experienced with vintage saxophones. The keywork, pad styles, and construction techniques are different from modern instruments. Seek out techs who specifically advertise vintage saxophone restoration. The Sax on the Web forum maintains recommendations.

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