Conn 4M Virtuoso Deluxe Curved Soprano Saxophone 120970
CG Conn
SUMMARY: Introduced in 1914, the New Wonder line would be Conn's mainstay line of saxophones that would be refined into the well-known New Wonder 2 versions by 1924.
COLLOQUIAL NAMES: New Wonder, New Wonder I, NWI, NW
DATE: 1923
MANUFACTURER: C.G. Conn
PRODUCTION LOCATION: Elkhart, IN, United States
PRODUCT LINE: New Wonder
MODEL: 4M
TYPE: Soprano
SERIAL NO.:120970
FINISH: Burnished Gold Plate, "Finish 000"
CATALOG NO.: CG120970BbSC
PROVENANCE:
On Loan From 
History
The New Wonder line was Conn’s production model from 1914 until 1924. Along with Conn’s standard features such as res-o-pads, split bell keys, G# and Eb trill keys, single-rod stack mechanisms, Mother of Pearl Rollers and micro-tuners on the alto and C-Melody saxes, the New Wonder included mechanical improvements from the preceding Wonder models.The New Wonder featured Conn’s drawn and rolled toneholes that were made using the Haynes method, an enlarged and elongated G# key touch in place of the prior small round touch, and double rollers on the low C# touch.
Features
This example is in its original gold burnished gold plated finish. It is a Virtuoso Deluxe instrument. All key touches, not just the stack keys, feature Mother of Pearl inlays. The bell features an engraving of an amalgamated creature bearing features of an elephant’s head on a chicken’s body inside of an 8-sided star above the company logo which reads "Made By C.G. Conn, Ltd. Elkhart - IND U.S.A." This engraving is surrounded by a tropical-influenced floral design which extends down around the bow and onto the body tube.
Additional Resources
- Haynes patent: US1119954A