C.G. Conn: The American Legend of Brass and Saxophones Since 1876

The Story of an American Legend

When we think of the great American wind instrument brands, one name keeps coming back: C.G. Conn. Founded in 1876 in Elkhart, Indiana, by Charles Gerard Conn, this manufacturer literally shaped the history of brass instruments and saxophones in the United States. From the invention of the first American saxophone to the legendary models that defined the sound of jazz, C.G. Conn embodies over a century of artisanal excellence.

Now owned by the Conn-Selmer group, the Conn brand continues to produce professional-quality instruments, while its most sought-after vintage models change hands on the second-hand market. Saxophonists, trumpeters, trombonists: dive into the fascinating world of a brand that has written some of the most beautiful chapters of American music.

Charles Gerard Conn: From Cornet to Industrial Empire

The story of C.G. Conn begins almost by accident. In 1873, Charles Gerard Conn, then a young cornetist and entrepreneur from Elkhart, got into a bar fight that left him with a scar on his upper lip. No longer able to play his instrument properly due to this injury, he set out to make a rubber mouthpiece coated with silver to compensate for his discomfort. The success of this handcrafted invention led him to patent his mouthpiece and then to venture into manufacturing complete instruments.

In 1876, he officially founded the C.G. Conn Company. Very quickly, the Elkhart factory became known for the quality of its brass instruments. In 1888, Conn recruited a young French artisan, Eugene C. Sullivan, who brought European manufacturing techniques with him. This marked the beginning of a meteoric expansion: by the end of the 19th century, Conn had become the largest musical instrument manufacturer in the world.

Conn Saxophones: The American Golden Age

It is in the field of saxophones that C.G. Conn left one of its deepest marks. In 1889, the brand produced the first saxophone ever made in the United States. At a time when Adolphe Sax reigned supreme on the Old Continent, Conn democratized the instrument on the other side of the Atlantic and made it accessible to municipal brass bands, military orchestras, and later to jazz musicians.

The 1920s and 1930s marked the peak of Conn saxophones. The New Wonder model (nicknamed "Chu Berry" in tribute to the famous jazz saxophonist) is considered by many to be one of the greatest saxophones ever built. Its innovative ergonomics, smooth key action, and harmonically rich sound still make it a highly sought-after collector's instrument today.

In the 1930s, Conn launched the series of numbered models that would become legendary: the 6M (alto), the 10M (tenor), and the 12M (baritone). These instruments, characterized by their roller mechanism (underslung neck for the 10M tenor) and their powerful, warm sound, were adopted by generations of jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock musicians.

After the war, Conn continued to innovate with the Director and Shooting Star models, saxophones aimed at students and intermediate musicians, offering remarkable build quality for their price range. Later, the 16M (tenor) and 20M (alto) series would carry on the Conn tradition in the semi-professional segment.

The Conn Saxophone Range: From Collector to Beginner

Whether you are a collector looking for a 1930s Chu Berry or a musician seeking a reliable saxophone to start with, the Conn range covers all needs. Here are the iconic models found on the second-hand market today:

Alto Saxophones

The Conn 6M (or "Naked Lady" for its Art Deco engraving) is the holy grail for jazz alto players. More accessible, the Conn 20M offers an excellent entry into the Conn world with a round sound and robust mechanics. The Shooting Star, meanwhile, is the ideal companion for motivated students.

Tenor Saxophones

The legendary Conn 10M with its underslung neck is the reference tenor saxophone for traditional jazz and swing. More recent, the Conn 16M offers a modern alternative with a versatile sound, equally at home in a big band or a small ensemble.

Baritone Saxophones

The Conn 12M is quite simply one of the most respected baritone saxophones in history. Its deep, powerful sound made it the instrument of choice for giants like Gerry Mulligan and Harry Carney. A well-maintained 12M is an investment for life.

Find all Conn saxophones available on Green Musicians by exploring our selection: used Conn saxophones.

Conn Brass: Trumpets, Trombones, and More

While saxophones made Conn a legend among jazz musicians, the brand remains a giant of brass instruments. The Conn 22B trumpet (or "Connstellation") is a monument: introduced in 1955, it equipped generations of professional trumpet players, from symphony orchestras to big bands. Its balanced sound, powerful projection, and impeccable finish still make it an absolute reference today.

The Conn Victor model, produced from the 1920s to the 1940s, is another classic sought after by collectors. Its robust construction and highly distinctive vintage sound appeal to fans of traditional jazz and early music.

On the trombone side, Conn has produced exceptional instruments such as the Conn 88H, which became the reference tenor trombone in American symphony orchestras. Conn cornets, flugelhorns, tubas, and sousaphones complete a brass catalog that literally equipped musical America throughout the 20th century.

Discover Conn brass instruments available on our platform: Conn trumpets and used Conn brass instruments.

Why Choose a Conn Instrument?

Investing in a C.G. Conn instrument means choosing over a century of American craftsmanship. Here is what truly sets the brand apart:

• An incomparable history: few brands can claim to have made the first American saxophone and to have equipped John Philip Sousa's band.
• Recognized build quality: Conn instruments, even student models like the Shooting Star, benefit from serious construction and quality materials.
• An inimitable sound: the "Conn sound" is a reality that any experienced musician recognizes immediately: warm, full, with that unique blend of roundness and projection.
• Value that holds: vintage Conns are collector's instruments whose prices continue to climb, especially pre-war 6M, 10M, and 12M models.
• Musical versatility: from classical to jazz to funk and pop, a Conn adapts to all repertoires.

Why Buy Your Conn on Green Musicians?

Green Musicians is the reference marketplace for discerning musicians looking for quality instruments, new or used. Here is why our platform is the best place to find your next Conn:

• A unique catalog: from Conn alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones to trumpets and trombones, our marketplace brings together a selection of instruments you won't find anywhere else.
• Fair prices: buy directly from passionate sellers, with no middleman, for prices that reflect the true market value.
• A community of musicians: every listing is posted by a musician who knows and loves their instrument, with detailed descriptions and real photos.
• Secure transactions: our secure platform protects you at every step of your purchase.

Whether you are looking for a Conn alto saxophone, a legendary tenor, or a Connstellation trumpet, Green Musicians is your destination.

And there you have it! We hope this article has inspired you to discover or rediscover the world of C.G. Conn and its exceptional instruments. All that's left is to browse Green Musicians to find the Conn of your dreams at the best price.

We offer a complete catalog of musical instruments featuring brands from around the world such as Selmer, Yamaha, Yanagisawa, Bach, King, and many others. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, our marketplace is designed to bring you the best of music.

Green Musicians is also the music marketplace where everyone can buy or sell music equipment with complete confidence: new, refurbished, and used instruments, as well as software, plugins, sheet music, and samples.

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