Here is a fine example of 1930's Conn New Wonder Tenor saxophone. These were nicknamed 'Chu Berry' horns because when everyone started playing Selmers Chu Berry refused and stuck by his guns. Be it a lesson for all of us to have the guts to stay with what we believe.
This one is in satin silver finish with a gold wash bell. This saxophone is the epitome of core saxophone sound. Fans on the 'Chu' are people who simply care what sound comes out of the horn. If nothing else matters to you - you need one of these. In good condition these horns put out a wall of sound that cannot be equalled by any other horn. The split-bell key design of the horn could possibly be what gives it the muscle. Of course, just like a good muscle-car, there are caveats that you must take into consideration. These are very heavy horns - built like a tank and they are a little finiky about what mouthpiece you use. They require a large chamber mouthpiece like a Springer Chocolate. Without the larger chamber, the tuning in the upper register can go completely out of whack.
You can see the rolled-tone holes that Conn made famous. They too are great but have their problems - if they ever get damaged they are VERY hard to correct. They may add to the sealing surface of the pad and may extend pad life, but this is just conjucture. This one is outfitted with the Conn Reso-pads whaich have a metal backing and foil between the leather and the felt interior to prevent felt saturation.
Here you can see that my neck is NOT a standard "Chu" neck as it should have the long brace but was possibly removed at some point , but there are no solder marks so I don't really know why it doesn't have the brace.
You get a good look at the gold wash bell here. Also you see the rather clunky looking wire- style key guards on the lower keys. It also lacks the high E key sticking out for the right palm like the Buescher and the later 10M that allows you to hit that key a little easier.