The Conn 10M “Naked Lady” saxophone is a highly regarded professional tenor saxophone produced by the C.G. Conn company, primarily between the 1930s and 1960s. This instrument is particularly notable for its innovative design, rich tonal characteristics, and historical significance within the development of American saxophone manufacturing. It belongs to the wider lineage of Conn’s professional saxophones, recognized for their distinctive tonal depth, projection, and craftsmanship.
One of the defining features of the 10M is its rolled tone holes, a structural innovation that enhances the instrument’s resonance, improves pad sealing, and contributes to a warm, full-bodied sound. Additionally, the 10M features a larger bore and a relaxed key layout, making it both responsive and comfortable for players. The instrument’s free-blowing nature and powerful projection have made it particularly popular among jazz and big band musicians. Another unique characteristic is its underslung octave key, a design choice that reduces mechanical wear and enhances reliability compared to conventional saxophone octave key mechanisms.
The nickname “Naked Lady” derives from the intricate bell engraving, which often features an Art Deco-style image of a woman’s face, sometimes depicted within a lyre motif. This engraving has become an iconic feature of the instrument, contributing to its collectability and aesthetic appeal. The 10M was widely used by professional saxophonists throughout the mid-20th century, favored for its rich, velvety tone and dynamic flexibility, making it particularly well-suited for jazz, swing, and rock music.
Despite changes in Conn’s manufacturing processes after the company’s acquisition in the 1960s, the pre-1950s models—particularly those produced in Conn’s Elkhart, Indiana factory—are highly sought after by collectors and performers. The Conn 10M remains a celebrated example of American saxophone craftsmanship, valued for its unique tonal properties, mechanical durability, and historical legacy in the evolution of jazz and popular music.
C.G. Conn 10M 'Naked Lady'
The Conn 10M “Naked Lady” saxophone is a highly regarded professional tenor saxophone produced by the C.G. Conn company, primarily between the 1930s and 1960s. This instrument is particularly notable for its innovative design, rich tonal characteristics, and historical significance within the development of American saxophone manufacturing. It belongs to the wider lineage of Conn’s professional saxophones, recognized for their distinctive tonal depth, projection, and craftsmanship.
One of the defining features of the 10M is its rolled tone holes, a structural innovation that enhances the instrument’s resonance, improves pad sealing, and contributes to a warm, full-bodied sound. Additionally, the 10M features a larger bore and a relaxed key layout, making it both responsive and comfortable for players. The instrument’s free-blowing nature and powerful projection have made it particularly popular among jazz and big band musicians. Another unique characteristic is its underslung octave key, a design choice that reduces mechanical wear and enhances reliability compared to conventional saxophone octave key mechanisms.
The nickname “Naked Lady” derives from the intricate bell engraving, which often features an Art Deco-style image of a woman’s face, sometimes depicted within a lyre motif. This engraving has become an iconic feature of the instrument, contributing to its collectability and aesthetic appeal. The 10M was widely used by professional saxophonists throughout the mid-20th century, favored for its rich, velvety tone and dynamic flexibility, making it particularly well-suited for jazz, swing, and rock music.
Despite changes in Conn’s manufacturing processes after the company’s acquisition in the 1960s, the pre-1950s models—particularly those produced in Conn’s Elkhart, Indiana factory—are highly sought after by collectors and performers. The Conn 10M remains a celebrated example of American saxophone craftsmanship, valued for its unique tonal properties, mechanical durability, and historical legacy in the evolution of jazz and popular music.
