Conn "Small Bore" Eb Alto Saxophone
CG Conn
SUMMARY: This Conn New Wonder Series 2 "Small Bore" Alto Saxophone was likely constructed in the late 1920s. It is a product of Conn's experimental laboratory and while it is mechanically the same as contemporary Conn alto saxophones, it is built to a more narrow taper and features a unique neck socket designed by John Albrecht.
COLLOQUIAL NAMES: New Wonder 2, New Wonder II, NW2, NWII, "Chu Berry"
DATE: 1920s
MANUFACTURER: C.G. Conn, Ltd.
PRODUCTION LOCATION: Elkhart, IN, United States
PRODUCT LINE: New Wonder, Series 2
MODEL: Unknown
TYPE: Alto
SERIAL NO.: N/A
FINISH: Bare Brass, "Finish 8"
CATALOG NO.: CGnoserialEbAC
PROVENANCE: Formerly in the collection of Ronald Semak, previously in the collection of John Faulk.
On Loan From 
History
This "Small Bore" alto saxophone was developed in the Conn Experimental Laboratory in the late 1920s. Before its acquisition by Saxquest, it was in the collection of the late Ronald Semak. Semak acquired it from the late John Faulk in 1976. In his logbooks, Semak wrote that the horn was built in 1928.
Features
The "Small Bore" alto shares the same mechanical features as other New Wonder 2 saxophones. It has the signature "nail file" G# key touch, G# and Eb trill keys, mother of pearl key touches, pearloid rollers, "Mercedes" low C keyguard, and blued steel springs. Its keycups were built to accept Conn-Foil Pads. This instrument departs from the New Wonder 6M by having a brass Bis Bb key touch, a unique neck socket developed and patented by John Albrecht, omitting the microtuner on the neck and bottom bow cap, and having a more narrow bore taper. Since it was built in the Laboratory and not on the production line, it lacks Conn's drawn and rolled toneholes; instead, it has soldered-on toneholes, many of which have concentric inserts soldered inside. It bears no makers marks, no serial or patent stamps, and no engraving whatsoever.