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C Melody Saxophone Forum / C-Tenor (C-Melody) Saxophones / Looking for a C-Mel

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Toxic Oreo
User ID: 8785553 Feb 27th 2:15 PM
I am a young saxophone collector of sorts and I am looking for a c-mel to add to my ranks. I already have 3 vintage horns that I gig with and am looking for a different sound, something more laid back for use in both an old school blues band and in a couple local jazz ensembles. Ebay is not helping me in the least as the only listed c-mels are sniped from me within the final few minutes of the auction (I just lost a buescher by $5 with 5 seconds left on the auction). The only catch is I don't have a ton of money, and want a functioning horn. Any places other than local pawn shops and Ebay on where to find this ever elusive horn?

alan (uk)
User ID: 8200143 Mar 2nd 10:26 AM
Hard question - dealers like Charles Fail sell refurbed C-Mels, often for less than a grand, and you have all the benefits of dealing with a 'dealer'.

I can't criticise the seller, although I have a feeling there's something familiar about him. I did ask him for copies of his two C-Mel guides, which he supplied, when he was selling another C-Mel, and he seems genuine enough. Bit slap-happy to include a picture of a different C-mel in the listing.... (the sax in the case has a curved neck - Ooops !)

He talks about an "$850 Job" - I wouldn't want to spend that much.

Paul (UK)
User ID: 9502963 Mar 2nd 11:26 AM
I can certainly identify with ukebert as my first C cost nearly Ł200 and required a full make over. Since discovering this, and Alan's, site I have become much more knowledgeable, at least about where to come for help. My most recent, and potentially best, purchase was a straight neck conn, nickle plated, no engraving except for the name on the bell front and once re-padded will be in very nearly as new condition; this cost just over Ł100 including postage from America. Even if I decide to get it professionally overhauled, I'll see how I get on with the current project, it will still be a bargain.

alan (uk)
User ID: 9245273 Mar 2nd 1:44 PM
Paul - in the next few weeks (now let's be realistic, months if not years...) I'll be photgraphing all the C-Mels etc. I have, and listing everything on the website, to see if anyone is interested. I've finally come to the realisation that I'm more interested in playing and generally enjoying late-life than overhauling, so (with a few exceptions that I've totally 'bonded' with) you may all find a bargain project !

Life is just too short, now I just want to make music, get some of my technique back, especially as playing should help the old creeping arthur-itis.......

Doesn't mean I'm not going to creep up behind you on ebay one of these days tho' !! Watch out..

ukebert
User ID: 7921973 Mar 2nd 2:35 PM
Alan, DON'T LET ME BUY ONE OF YOUR CMEL'S. I have enough already :-)

Toxic Oreo
User ID: 0492334 Mar 2nd 4:11 PM
Neither would I, Alan, neither would I.

This may become my horn....you never know. Little bit more than an hour and my max is 675, current price being 550. I have no qualms about tossing another Conn into my stable, but I wish I could have picked up another one of the big four so I would have complete representation of American Saxophones in their vintage prime (all I need is a Buescher), but it is a good horn.

We will see what happens...

alan (uk)
User ID: 9245273 Mar 2nd 4:53 PM
Toxic, at the last count, I think I have four or five Bueschers (seemed like a good idea, at the time), all projects. At least two have the more modern keywork (front-F, half-moon G# etc....). Plus I have some nice Conns, one gold plated, and you really need to try a King (or three.....).

But you're safe, shipping back to the US is probably minimum $200 - if you think USPS is expensive, try shipping FROM the UK !

:-))

Toxic Oreo
User ID: 1704034 Mar 2nd 8:01 PM
So I was all set for that horn.

Then somebody, at seeming random, dropped a bid $10 over my maximum with 1 second left.

I have to say, I am suspicious. I was the only bidder for a full day and a half until 1 second before the end of teh auction, with that bid just happening to be $10 over my max (which was 125 over the current bid). I got sniped, screwed and fully expect to see the same serial number listed next week.

I am 0 for 2 this week alone.

Dammit, dammit, dammit.

Captain Muggles
User ID: 8945823 Mar 2nd 10:32 PM
Tox.....I just checked Ebay. There is one seller offering two different C melodies on two different auctions. The prices are so outrageous (Over $1000.00 on the first bid for a nickle plated conn, which he will never get). And another one with an outrageously high second bid from a bidder named "Bidder1" who is a ringer bidder used by scumbag unscrupulous dealers to jack up the bidding. The history on this mystery bidder is locked out. He (or she) has a 0% percent rating and you can't get any pertinent info on this bidder. I've seen this name used a lot on ebay to jack up the bids or overbid at the last second to block a legitimate bid that the seller does not deem high enough. Check this seller out. His name is sephoto8fx5. He has 100% feedback, but in my opinion he is a scam artist operating just within the limits of Ebay legality. His second item is a supposedly rare 1920's Buescher C melody going for over $900.00. The first item is a nickle plated straight neck Conn C melody over 1 Grand. The item numbers are 190086992437 and 190087700995. I do not think I am wrong on my dismay over the outrageous prices on these horns. If I am misinformed on my opinion, please feel free to correct me and explain why I am wrong!

Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604 Mar 3rd 4:15 AM
Muggers.
Retail's Rule No.1....An item is worth whatever someone is willing to pay.

Toxic Oreo
User ID: 8785553 Mar 3rd 7:17 AM
"bidder 1," or any other "bidder #" is what ebay now does to "protect anonymity of bidders." They very recently (as of last weekend or sooner) implemented this new rule, which I think sucks almost as much as the inflated prices.

I have tried all of the local outlets for a c-mel and have had no luck. The pawn shops are only interested in Selmers and guitars (a Bundy II alto was on sale for over a grand at one of the hawk shops I went to). There are no local dealers that know anything about saxophones, never mind vintage horns. All they care about is ripping beginning students off. Here is a phone conversation I had with one place regarding saxophones:

Store - Hi, thanks for calling, how can I help youout today?
Me- Well, I am looking for a saxophone...
S - Well we got all kinds of them. What are you looking for?
M - Specifically, I am looking for a saxophone in C.
S - Oh, we got PLENTY of saxophones. What is the specific make or name you are looking for?
M - I am most interested in a Martin, Conn, Buescher or King.
S - Well, we have some new Martins available...you looking to buy new or used?
M - C horns haven't been made by Martin since the 1920's.
S - Yousure about that? I know we got some nice new Martins kicking around here...
M - Yeah, pretty solid on that.
S - Well, shows you what I know about brass instruments, then...
M - It's a woodwind.
S - We don't carry any wooden saxophones, if that is what you are looking for...
M - No, just a sax in C.
S - Well, let me call you back after I talk to the guy over in the warehouse. I know we got a bunch of old horns and some are definetly in C.
M - Um, sure. Here's my number.
S - Cool. I'll give you a call once we find one.

They won't call me back. Idiots.

I don't want to have a stack of C-mels....I just want one good one, dammit.

Toxic Oreo
User ID: 8785553 Mar 3rd 7:19 AM
On a side note, since I can't find any competent vintage repair shops in the area I am very hesitant to buy a horn that needs work. I don't have the time to fix a horn right now.

alan (uk)
User ID: 9245273 Mar 3rd 7:35 AM
Toxic - like I said, the ebay prices (for some inexplicable reason) are getting keener, it'd be worth contacting Charles Fail, Cybersax, JunkDude, Gayle F & the like. Ask what the best price is for sourcing and overhauling a Conn C-Mel (or whatever), or can they recommend anyone else cheaper. I'm surprised Doc F hasn't chipped in by now ? Those guys deal in antique saxes, they won't give you the dumb/Doh routine.

You've nothing to lose, tell them you have a fixed budget, you never know until you try....... If cosmetics isn't a real criteria, just a good looking (not immaculately dazzling..) sax, then there may be some room for negotiation. And you'll have some sort of guarantee and backup.

Toxic Oreo
User ID: 8785553 Mar 3rd 7:42 AM
I actually bought two of my vintage horns from JunkDude a few years ago.

I'll start throwing emails around.

alan (uk)
User ID: 9245273 Mar 3rd 8:10 AM
Toxic - even better, look on JunkDudes website -

He has a Buescher and a Conn C-mel, both in playing order (and that will mean "playable") for under a grand.......each, obviously, not the pair!

And, as you're an old established customer who's given him plenty of dosh already, mention that and haggle......

Captain Beeflat
User ID: 1738604 Mar 3rd 8:20 AM
Or, even better, just be a little more patient. Remember that dealers have to make a profit, and all the buying channels open to them are also open to you. Ebay is your route but please remember the advive given. Best of luck...and take it calmly.

Danny
User ID: 8604013 Mar 3rd 1:11 PM
Hello Toxic, beware of this seller. I bought a Martin C-Mel (satin gold) from him about 4 months ago and promptly returned it to him because it didn't play a single lick. If you will notice his meticulous description of all of his horns (the same description for all of them) there is never a mention of the sound or playability. Apparently he is not a saxaphonist but he does take apart the instrument, repad/recork it and polish it really well. However he does not regulate or adjust the keys. If you want one that is playable out of the box I doubt any of his will do this. He also purposely hides flaws in the pictures. He sent me dozens of photos but none of them revealed one ding in the neck. To his credit that was the only flaw beside the fact that all keys needed regulation/adjustments. He did honor the money back guarantee less shipping and ebay fees. I lost about US$80.
His descriptions are generally true but its what he fails to describe that is the problem. In other words he will not mention any flaws. He is clever as a fox. Case in point; I noticed he mentions the micro tuner neck but fails to mention if it is operable. Hum…
The particular Conn C-Mel you mentioned above is not the most desirable vintage but it does look nice and with some adjustments it will probably be a very nice player.
Toxic, don’t expect anything you buy on ebay to play well out of the box. I have purchased about 7 or 8 instruments on ebay and only 2 of them played out of the box so if you win the bid be prepared to spend la ittle more for adjustments or learn to work on your own horns. Good luck and be patient. There is a good C-Mel horn waiting for you,
it will just take some time to find it.

Toxic Oreo
User ID: 1704034 Mar 3rd 3:54 PM
I can work on my own horns, I just don't have the time or a workshop anymore.

Paul (UK)
User ID: 9502963 Mar 4th 4:47 AM
Well that's my Lyon & Healy listed, probably being overly optimistic, delusional, with price but we'll see.
Interesting that a straight neck conn, which sold last week, is back on ebay UK, even more interesting is that one of the bidders is better known for selling somewhat tired and worn instruments, probably bought in lots at local auctions.

Toxic Oreo
User ID: 8785553 Mar 4th 7:06 AM
Alan - What would you pay for the silver Conn on the site? I want to be fair and realistic whilst also showing my appreciation to a guy who has sold me my two favorite horns ever.

I actually gigged with the Tenor I bought from him the night it came in. Now, she needs a little bit O'love and repair work, though.Still plays nicely, but the action is not where I want it. NEVER a complaint with the alto, however.

Back 20 Messages Next 20 Messages Newest 20 Messages

Toxic Oreo User ID: 8785553	Feb 27th 2:15 PM I am a young saxophone collector of sorts and I am looking for a c-mel to add to my ranks. I already have 3 vintage horns that I gig with and am looking for a different sound, something more laid back for use in both an old school blues band and in a couple local jazz ensembles. Ebay is not helping me in the least as the only listed c-mels are sniped from me within the final few minutes of the auction (I just lost a buescher by $5 with 5 seconds left on the auction). The only catch is I don't have a ton of money, and want a functioning horn. Any places other than local pawn shops and Ebay on where to find this ever elusive horn?
alan (uk) User ID: 8200143	Mar 2nd 10:26 AM Hard question - dealers like Charles Fail sell refurbed C-Mels, often for less than a grand, and you have all the benefits of dealing with a 'dealer'. I can't criticise the seller, although I have a feeling there's something familiar about him. I did ask him for copies of his two C-Mel guides, which he supplied, when he was selling another C-Mel, and he seems genuine enough. Bit slap-happy to include a picture of a different C-mel in the listing.... (the sax in the case has a curved neck - Ooops !) He talks about an "$850 Job" - I wouldn't want to spend that much.
Paul (UK) User ID: 9502963	Mar 2nd 11:26 AM I can certainly identify with ukebert as my first C cost nearly Ł200 and required a full make over. Since discovering this, and Alan's, site I have become much more knowledgeable, at least about where to come for help. My most recent, and potentially best, purchase was a straight neck conn, nickle plated, no engraving except for the name on the bell front and once re-padded will be in very nearly as new condition; this cost just over Ł100 including postage from America. Even if I decide to get it professionally overhauled, I'll see how I get on with the current project, it will still be a bargain.
alan (uk) User ID: 9245273	Mar 2nd 1:44 PM Paul - in the next few weeks (now let's be realistic, months if not years...) I'll be photgraphing all the C-Mels etc. I have, and listing everything on the website, to see if anyone is interested. I've finally come to the realisation that I'm more interested in playing and generally enjoying late-life than overhauling, so (with a few exceptions that I've totally 'bonded' with) you may all find a bargain project ! Life is just too short, now I just want to make music, get some of my technique back, especially as playing should help the old creeping arthur-itis....... Doesn't mean I'm not going to creep up behind you on ebay one of these days tho' !! Watch out..
ukebert User ID: 7921973	Mar 2nd 2:35 PM Alan, DON'T LET ME BUY ONE OF YOUR CMEL'S. I have enough already :-)
Toxic Oreo User ID: 0492334	Mar 2nd 4:11 PM Neither would I, Alan, neither would I. This may become my horn....you never know. Little bit more than an hour and my max is 675, current price being 550. I have no qualms about tossing another Conn into my stable, but I wish I could have picked up another one of the big four so I would have complete representation of American Saxophones in their vintage prime (all I need is a Buescher), but it is a good horn. We will see what happens...
alan (uk) User ID: 9245273	Mar 2nd 4:53 PM Toxic, at the last count, I think I have four or five Bueschers (seemed like a good idea, at the time), all projects. At least two have the more modern keywork (front-F, half-moon G# etc....). Plus I have some nice Conns, one gold plated, and you really need to try a King (or three.....). But you're safe, shipping back to the US is probably minimum $200 - if you think USPS is expensive, try shipping FROM the UK ! :-))
Toxic Oreo User ID: 1704034	Mar 2nd 8:01 PM So I was all set for that horn. Then somebody, at seeming random, dropped a bid $10 over my maximum with 1 second left. I have to say, I am suspicious. I was the only bidder for a full day and a half until 1 second before the end of teh auction, with that bid just happening to be $10 over my max (which was 125 over the current bid). I got sniped, screwed and fully expect to see the same serial number listed next week. I am 0 for 2 this week alone. Dammit, dammit, dammit.
Captain Muggles User ID: 8945823	Mar 2nd 10:32 PM Tox.....I just checked Ebay. There is one seller offering two different C melodies on two different auctions. The prices are so outrageous (Over $1000.00 on the first bid for a nickle plated conn, which he will never get). And another one with an outrageously high second bid from a bidder named "Bidder1" who is a ringer bidder used by scumbag unscrupulous dealers to jack up the bidding. The history on this mystery bidder is locked out. He (or she) has a 0% percent rating and you can't get any pertinent info on this bidder. I've seen this name used a lot on ebay to jack up the bids or overbid at the last second to block a legitimate bid that the seller does not deem high enough. Check this seller out. His name is sephoto8fx5. He has 100% feedback, but in my opinion he is a scam artist operating just within the limits of Ebay legality. His second item is a supposedly rare 1920's Buescher C melody going for over $900.00. The first item is a nickle plated straight neck Conn C melody over 1 Grand. The item numbers are 190086992437 and 190087700995. I do not think I am wrong on my dismay over the outrageous prices on these horns. If I am misinformed on my opinion, please feel free to correct me and explain why I am wrong!
Captain Beeflat User ID: 1738604	Mar 3rd 4:15 AM Muggers. Retail's Rule No.1....An item is worth whatever someone is willing to pay.
Toxic Oreo User ID: 8785553	Mar 3rd 7:17 AM "bidder 1," or any other "bidder #" is what ebay now does to "protect anonymity of bidders." They very recently (as of last weekend or sooner) implemented this new rule, which I think sucks almost as much as the inflated prices. I have tried all of the local outlets for a c-mel and have had no luck. The pawn shops are only interested in Selmers and guitars (a Bundy II alto was on sale for over a grand at one of the hawk shops I went to). There are no local dealers that know anything about saxophones, never mind vintage horns. All they care about is ripping beginning students off. Here is a phone conversation I had with one place regarding saxophones: Store - Hi, thanks for calling, how can I help youout today? Me- Well, I am looking for a saxophone... S - Well we got all kinds of them. What are you looking for? M - Specifically, I am looking for a saxophone in C. S - Oh, we got PLENTY of saxophones. What is the specific make or name you are looking for? M - I am most interested in a Martin, Conn, Buescher or King. S - Well, we have some new Martins available...you looking to buy new or used? M - C horns haven't been made by Martin since the 1920's. S - Yousure about that? I know we got some nice new Martins kicking around here... M - Yeah, pretty solid on that. S - Well, shows you what I know about brass instruments, then... M - It's a woodwind. S - We don't carry any wooden saxophones, if that is what you are looking for... M - No, just a sax in C. S - Well, let me call you back after I talk to the guy over in the warehouse. I know we got a bunch of old horns and some are definetly in C. M - Um, sure. Here's my number. S - Cool. I'll give you a call once we find one. They won't call me back. Idiots. I don't want to have a stack of C-mels....I just want one good one, dammit.
Toxic Oreo User ID: 8785553	Mar 3rd 7:19 AM On a side note, since I can't find any competent vintage repair shops in the area I am very hesitant to buy a horn that needs work. I don't have the time to fix a horn right now.
alan (uk) User ID: 9245273	Mar 3rd 7:35 AM Toxic - like I said, the ebay prices (for some inexplicable reason) are getting keener, it'd be worth contacting Charles Fail, Cybersax, JunkDude, Gayle F & the like. Ask what the best price is for sourcing and overhauling a Conn C-Mel (or whatever), or can they recommend anyone else cheaper. I'm surprised Doc F hasn't chipped in by now ? Those guys deal in antique saxes, they won't give you the dumb/Doh routine. You've nothing to lose, tell them you have a fixed budget, you never know until you try....... If cosmetics isn't a real criteria, just a good looking (not immaculately dazzling..) sax, then there may be some room for negotiation. And you'll have some sort of guarantee and backup.
Toxic Oreo User ID: 8785553	Mar 3rd 7:42 AM I actually bought two of my vintage horns from JunkDude a few years ago. I'll start throwing emails around.
alan (uk) User ID: 9245273	Mar 3rd 8:10 AM Toxic - even better, look on JunkDudes website - He has a Buescher and a Conn C-mel, both in playing order (and that will mean "playable") for under a grand.......each, obviously, not the pair! And, as you're an old established customer who's given him plenty of dosh already, mention that and haggle......
Captain Beeflat User ID: 1738604	Mar 3rd 8:20 AM Or, even better, just be a little more patient. Remember that dealers have to make a profit, and all the buying channels open to them are also open to you. Ebay is your route but please remember the advive given. Best of luck...and take it calmly.
Danny User ID: 8604013	Mar 3rd 1:11 PM Hello Toxic, beware of this seller. I bought a Martin C-Mel (satin gold) from him about 4 months ago and promptly returned it to him because it didn't play a single lick. If you will notice his meticulous description of all of his horns (the same description for all of them) there is never a mention of the sound or playability. Apparently he is not a saxaphonist but he does take apart the instrument, repad/recork it and polish it really well. However he does not regulate or adjust the keys. If you want one that is playable out of the box I doubt any of his will do this. He also purposely hides flaws in the pictures. He sent me dozens of photos but none of them revealed one ding in the neck. To his credit that was the only flaw beside the fact that all keys needed regulation/adjustments. He did honor the money back guarantee less shipping and ebay fees. I lost about US$80. His descriptions are generally true but its what he fails to describe that is the problem. In other words he will not mention any flaws. He is clever as a fox. Case in point; I noticed he mentions the micro tuner neck but fails to mention if it is operable. Hum… The particular Conn C-Mel you mentioned above is not the most desirable vintage but it does look nice and with some adjustments it will probably be a very nice player. Toxic, don’t expect anything you buy on ebay to play well out of the box. I have purchased about 7 or 8 instruments on ebay and only 2 of them played out of the box so if you win the bid be prepared to spend la ittle more for adjustments or learn to work on your own horns. Good luck and be patient. There is a good C-Mel horn waiting for you, it will just take some time to find it.
Toxic Oreo User ID: 1704034	Mar 3rd 3:54 PM I can work on my own horns, I just don't have the time or a workshop anymore.
Paul (UK) User ID: 9502963	Mar 4th 4:47 AM Well that's my Lyon & Healy listed, probably being overly optimistic, delusional, with price but we'll see. Interesting that a straight neck conn, which sold last week, is back on ebay UK, even more interesting is that one of the bidders is better known for selling somewhat tired and worn instruments, probably bought in lots at local auctions.
Toxic Oreo User ID: 8785553	Mar 4th 7:06 AM Alan - What would you pay for the silver Conn on the site? I want to be fair and realistic whilst also showing my appreciation to a guy who has sold me my two favorite horns ever. I actually gigged with the Tenor I bought from him the night it came in. Now, she needs a little bit O'love and repair work, though.Still plays nicely, but the action is not where I want it. NEVER a complaint with the alto, however.