If you're hunting for an affordable vintage horn, you've probably run across the conn shooting star alto sax more than a few times on eBay or at your local pawn shop. It's one of those instruments that seems to be everywhere, often tucked away in a dusty case with a price tag that looks way too good to be true. But before you pull the trigger on one, it's worth digging into what these horns actually are—and what they aren't.
The "Shooting Star" isn't actually the official name of the model. If you want to get technical, it's the Conn Director 14M. People just started calling it the Shooting Star because of the distinct engraving on the bell that features, you guessed it, stars shooting across the brass. It was designed as a student-line instrument back in the day, but it's got a personality that's a lot bigger than most modern student horns you'd find at a big-box music store today.
A Bit of History and the Elkhart Factor
When you're looking at a conn shooting star alto sax, the most important thing to check is where it was made. This is the "holy grail" conversation for Conn fans. For a long time, Conn was based in Elkhart, Indiana, which was basically the center of the universe for American instrument manufacturing. The horns made in Elkhart—roughly before 1960 or so—are generally considered the cream of the crop. They used better materials, the assembly was tighter, and they just had that classic American resonance.
In the 1960s, production moved to Abilene, Texas, and later to Mexico. You'll often hear collectors refer to the later ones as "Mexi-Conns." While these aren't necessarily bad instruments, the quality control definitely took a dip compared to the old Indiana days. If you find an Elkhart-made Shooting Star, you've grabbed a serious piece of history that can actually hold its own against some modern intermediate horns.
That Big American Sound
The main reason people still swear by the conn shooting star alto sax is the tone. Most modern student saxophones, like the ubiquitous Yamahas, are designed to be "polite." They're easy to play in tune, and they have a very clean, centered sound. That's great for a middle school concert band, but it can feel a little thin if you're looking for some soul.
The Conn 14M is different. It's got a big, wide, and spread sound. It's the kind of horn that feels like it's vibrating right through your chest. It has a lot of "bark," which makes it a blast for playing blues, rock, or jazz. Even though it was marketed to kids, it shares some of the DNA of the famous Conn 6M "Lady Face" professional horns. It's not quite a 6M, but you can definitely hear the family resemblance in the low end.
The Ergonomics (Or Lack Thereof)
Alright, let's be real for a second: the ergonomics on a conn shooting star alto sax are interesting. If you're used to a modern saxophone where every key is exactly where your finger expects it to be, picking up an old Conn is going to feel like a bit of a workout.
The left-hand pinky cluster (the keys for Bb, B, C#, and G#) is notoriously clunky. It doesn't have the "tilting" mechanism that modern horns have, so you have to move your finger a bit more aggressively. The keywork also tends to feel a bit "taller" or more spread out. If you have small hands, it might take a week or two of practice just to get comfortable with the reach.
But here's the thing—once you get used to it, it's not that bad. Thousands of professionals grew up playing on these exact setups. It just requires a little more "muscle" than a feather-light modern horn.
Built Like a Tank
One thing you have to love about these old horns is the durability. The conn shooting star alto sax was built to survive the rigors of a school band room. The brass is usually thicker than what you see on cheap modern imports, and the keywork is relatively sturdy.
Many of these horns come with nickel-plated keys. While some people prefer the look of all-gold lacquer, the nickel plating is incredibly tough. It doesn't wear down or tarnish as easily as lacquer does, which is why you'll often see a 60-year-old Shooting Star that still has shiny keys even if the body looks a bit beat up.
What to Watch Out For When Buying
If you're scouring Craigslist or Reverb for a conn shooting star alto sax, you need to be a little careful. Since these were student horns, many of them have been through the ringer. I'm talking about dents, bent keys, and pads that haven't been changed since the Nixon administration.
- The Pads: If the pads are hard, crusty, or dark brown/black, they're likely shot. A full "re-pad" job by a professional technician can cost anywhere from $400 to $800. If you buy a horn for $200 but it needs $600 in work, you might be overinvesting.
- The Neck: Make sure the neck is original and hasn't been "pulled down." This happens when someone puts too much pressure on the mouthpiece end. Look for any creases or ripples in the metal of the neck.
- The Case: Vintage cases often have a very specific aroma. It's a mix of old mold, stale air, and 1950s cork grease. Sometimes you can air it out, but often, you'll want to budget for a new rectangular case to protect your "new" old horn.
The Underslung Neck Mystery
You might notice that some conn shooting star alto sax models have an "underslung" octave key. This is where the mechanism for the octave key on the neck is located underneath the tube rather than on top. This was a signature Conn feature for years. It doesn't necessarily make the horn sound better, but it looks incredibly cool and protects the mechanism from getting bent when you're putting the neck on. If you find one with an underslung neck, it's usually one of the earlier, more desirable versions.
Who is This Sax For?
So, who should actually buy a conn shooting star alto sax?
First, it's a killer choice for an adult beginner who wants a real instrument with some character but doesn't want to drop $2,000 on a new professional model. It's also great for a "doubler"—maybe a clarinet or flute player who needs a solid alto for a few gigs but doesn't want to break the bank.
And honestly, it's a great "beater" horn for a pro. If you're playing a gig in a dive bar where someone might spill a drink on your gear, you'd much rather have a $300 Conn Shooting Star on the stand than a $6,000 Selmer Paris.
Final Thoughts
The conn shooting star alto sax isn't a perfect instrument. It's a bit quirky, the ergonomics are old-school, and the intonation can be a little "flexible" if you aren't careful with your embouchure. But it has soul. It has a big, barking American sound that you just can't find in modern student-level instruments.
If you can find one in decent shape—especially an Elkhart model—don't be afraid to give it a shot. It might take a minute to get used to the feel of the keys, but once you hear that first low Bb resonate through the room, you'll understand why these "student" horns have such a cult following today. Just make sure you leave a little room in your budget for a trip to the repair shop, and you'll have a horn that will likely last another sixty years.