A Comprehensive Overview of the Conn Connfirmation Alto Saxophone
Executive Summary
The C.G. Conn CAS811LTD150 "Connfirmation" is a limited-edition professional alto saxophone released in late 2025 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the company’s founding. It represents the first genuine effort in over 50 years to restore the C.G. Conn brand to the professional saxophone market, a space it dominated in the early 20th century. The instrument was developed as a "prototyping concept" available to the public in an extremely limited run of only 40 units, despite a serial numbering scheme suggesting 150. It is engineered to reconcile the acoustic profile of the legendary "American Sound"—characterized by a wide, flexible bore and massive projection—with the ergonomic expectations of the modern player.
Mechanically, the Connfirmation distinguishes itself from both vintage predecessors and modern competitors through a "retro-modern" design philosophy. It features true rolled tone holes, a hallmark of the classic Conn 10M and 6M models, ensuring a broader surface area for pad sealing and increased pad life. However, unlike the vintage models known for their difficult ergonomics, the Connfirmation utilizes a modern keywork layout with a single-post-to-body construction. A standout innovation is the "Generative" bell brace, a nickel-silver structural element designed in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame using algorithmic topology optimization to maximize resonance while minimizing weight.
Acoustically, the instrument is built around a "Complex Large Bore Taper" manufactured from American Bach Brass—the same alloy used in Stradivarius trumpets. This choice of material and geometry is intended to produce a tone that is "warm, colorful, and robust," explicitly contrasting with the focused, centered sound of the French school (e.g., Selmer). The saxophone undergoes the "ConnSonic" process, a proprietary suite of treatments designed to enhance tonal efficiency and response immediately out of the box.
Visually, the Connfirmation pays homage to the Art Deco era of the 1930s. It is finished in a "heat-fused aged natural brass," giving it the appearance of a well-cared-for vintage horn while providing the protection of a sealed finish. The instrument features "retro-modern" wire key guards that mimic the aesthetic of the Conn 6M but with improved clearance, and extensive hand-engraving on the bell. It ships with a bespoke grenadilla wood end plug and a hand-finished Brilhart Ebolin mouthpiece, reinforcing its jazz pedigree.
Market-wise, the Connfirmation is positioned as a collector's piece and a statement of intent. Priced at approximately $6,999, it competes directly with the Selmer Supreme and Yanagisawa WO series. Its release serves as a market test and brand reintroduction, with the manufacturer admitting that the acoustic concepts developed for this limited run will form the basis of a future standard production line.
Keywords: alto saxophone, C.G. Conn, Connfirmation, CAS811LTD150, 150th Anniversary, American Bach Brass, rolled tone holes, generative bell brace, ConnSonic process, large bore taper, vintage American sound, Art Deco engraving, heat-fused aged brass, limited edition, prototyping concept, Brilhart Ebolin, professional alto saxophone
GLOSSARY
|
+-- Acoustical & Technical Terms
| |-- American Sound ........ Wide, spread, flexible tone (vs. French focus)
| |-- Bach Brass ............ Specific alloy used in Bach Stradivarius trumpets
| |-- Bore .................. Internal geometry/shape of the instrument
| |-- ConnSonic ............. Proprietary efficiency/resonance treatment
| |-- Rolled Tone Holes ..... Tone hole chimneys rolled out at the rim
|
+-- Mechanical Innovations & Design
| |-- Generative Brace ...... Algorithmically designed bell-to-body support
| |-- Grenadilla Plug ....... Wooden stopper for the neck receiver
| |-- Post-to-Body .......... Construction where posts attach directly to tube
| |-- Retro-Modern .......... Blending vintage aesthetics with modern function
| |-- Wire Guards ........... Minimalist key guards (reminiscent of 6M/26M)
|
+-- Saxophone Models & Legacy
|-- 6M / 10M ............. Classic "Naked Lady" professional models (1930s)
|-- 26M Connqueror ....... Historic deluxe model with adjustment perms
|-- 28M Connstellation ... The last major pro Conn design (1950s)
|-- Connfirmation ........ 2025 Limited Edition flagship prototype
+-- Selmer Supreme ....... Primary market competitor (French style)
A. Introduction and Historical Context
The C.G. Conn CAS811LTD150 "Connfirmation" is a professional alto saxophone released in 2025, marking the 150th anniversary of the manufacturer (founded 1875). It signifies a historic pivot for the brand, which had largely retreated to the student and intermediate markets following the sale of the company and the relocation of production from Elkhart, Indiana, in the early 1970s. The Connfirmation is not merely a commemorative object; it is a "prototyping concept" released to the public, intended to re-establish Conn’s credibility among professional jazz and commercial saxophonists before a wider market re-entry.
For the first half of the 20th century, C.G. Conn was the preeminent American saxophone manufacturer. Models such as the "New Wonder," "M series" (6M/10M), and the rare "26M Connqueror" defined the sound of the Big Band era. These instruments were prized for their massive bore, spread sound, and flexibility. However, as the "French Sound"—characterized by the focused, resistant core of the Selmer Mark VI—became the industry standard in the 1960s, the "American Sound" fell out of favor.
The Connfirmation addresses this historical divergence by resurrecting the American acoustic philosophy. Unlike modern "hybrid" instruments that merely apply vintage finishes to standard bodies, the Connfirmation is built on a completely new acoustic platform. It aims to offer the "huge," room-filling projection of a vintage 6M while eliminating the antiquated ergonomics (such as the difficult left-hand pinky table) that often deter modern players from using vintage equipment.
B. Acoustic Engineering: Bore and Tone
The acoustic identity of the Connfirmation is derived from its "Complex Large Bore Taper." In contrast to the cylindrical focus of modern Japanese and French saxophones, the Connfirmation utilizes a wider parabolic cone that expands more rapidly. This geometry reduces acoustic resistance, resulting in an instrument that is exceptionally free-blowing. The sound is described as "warm, colorful, and robust," capable of maintaining its tonal center even at extreme dynamic levels, a trait historically associated with the Conn 28M Connstellation.
A critical factor in the instrument's resonance is the material composition. The body, bow, bell, and neck are manufactured from "American Bach Brass." This is the same proprietary alloy used to manufacture the bell sections of Vincent Bach Stradivarius trumpets, produced in Elkhart, Indiana. Known for its specific copper content and tempering, this brass is credited with providing a vibrant, ringing response that is difficult to replicate with standard cartridge brass.
To further refine the acoustics, Conn employs the "ConnSonic" process. While proprietary details remain guarded, this suite of modern technologies is understood to involve specific annealing or vibrational treatments designed to "break in" the material at a molecular level. This ensures that the instrument arrives with maximum resonant efficiency, bypassing the stiff, "tight" feeling often found in brand-new saxophones.
C. Mechanical Innovations and Design
While the acoustics are unapologetically vintage, the mechanical architecture of the Connfirmation is thoroughly modern. The instrument abandons the complex and heavy mechanisms of the 1930s (such as the micro-tuner neck or the perm-adjust systems) in favor of a reliable single-post-to-body construction. This reduces the overall weight of the instrument and allows the body tube to vibrate more freely than the ribbed construction found on most modern professional horns.
A key structural innovation is the "Generative" bell brace. Developed in collaboration with engineering teams at the University of Notre Dame, this nickel-silver brace features a butterfly-like lattice structure derived from algorithmic topology optimization. This design maximizes structural rigidity—preventing the bell from twisting out of alignment—while using the absolute minimum amount of material to avoid dampening the vibration of the body tube.
The Connfirmation also marks the return of "True Rolled Tone Holes." Unlike "drawn" tone holes found on most modern saxophones, or "soldered" rings found on some boutique models, the Connfirmation’s tone holes are drawn and then mechanically rolled over at the rim. This creates a broader, smoother surface for the pad to seat against, improving the air seal and extending the lifespan of the Pisoni Pro pads. This feature is a direct nod to the Conn "Lady Face" models of the mid-20th century.
D. Aesthetic Design and Materials
Visually, the Connfirmation is designed to evoke the golden age of American manufacturing. The finish is a "heat-fused aged natural brass." Unlike a raw brass instrument that will spot and corrode unevenly, this finish provides the matte, industrial look of an unlacquered vintage horn but is sealed to protect the metal and prevent the "green verdigris" oxidation that can irritate players' skin.
The engraving is executed in a sharp Art Deco style, covering the bell and bow. It eschews the floral complexity of the Selmer Supreme for the bold, geometric lines characteristic of 1930s American design. The key guards are a "retro-modern" wire design, referencing the wire cages of the Conn 6M but re-engineered for better clearance and protection.
Attention to detail extends to the touchpoints and accessories. The instrument features a bespoke grenadilla wood end plug, which, while functional, serves as a luxurious aesthetic touch. The neck screw is a heavy-mass knurled design, and the thumb rest is a fully adjustable metal component. In a final tribute to its jazz roots, each Connfirmation ships with a hand-finished Brilhart Ebolin mouthpiece, the same model used by jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Gene Ammons, rather than a standard stock mouthpiece.
E. Market Positioning and The Limited Run
The release strategy for the Connfirmation is unique and somewhat idiosyncratic. While the engraving on the bell band indicates a series of "150" instruments (e.g., numbered xxx/150), only 40 units were actually produced and released to the public. Conn-Selmer has stated that the remaining serial numbers do not exist. This "wonkiness" highlights the instrument's nature as a "prototyping concept." The high development costs of the new bore and tooling were invested with the intention of launching a full production line in the future, but the 40 Connfirmation units serve as a prelude—a "pinky swear" to the industry that Conn is back.
Priced at $6,999, the Connfirmation sits at the top of the professional market, competing with the Selmer Supreme ($8,000+) and the Yanagisawa WO20. However, its value proposition differs; where the Supreme offers "universal" neutrality, the Connfirmation offers specific "character." It targets the player who loves the sound of a vintage Conn 6M or King Super 20 but demands the reliability and intonation of a modern Yamaha or Yanagisawa.
F. Conclusion
The Conn CAS811LTD150 Connfirmation is more than just a limited-edition collectible; it is a declaration of identity. For over five decades, the "American Saxophone" was effectively extinct, replaced by the global standard of the French design school. The Connfirmation breaks this hegemony, proving that a modern instrument can possess the wide, wild, and flexible soul of the American jazz tradition.
By combining Elkhart-made Bach brass, university-engineered structural mechanics, and a vintage wide-bore taper, Conn has successfully bridged the gap between history and innovation. While only 40 players will own this specific iteration, the Connfirmation’s existence signals a permanent shift in the landscape of professional saxophone manufacturing, promising a future where the American sound is once again a viable, modern option.
G. References
1. Sax Stable "Conn Connfirmation NEW SAX MODEL 150th Anniversary Limited CAS 811 Saxophone" (November 6, 2025). [Deep Dive Review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKT0UN-jwvQ) Rationale: A detailed 4K review showcasing the physical details, engraving, and sound of the instrument.
2. Lorenzo Ferrero "Connfirmation vs Conn 6M: The Comparison I Haven't Shown Anyone" (November 20, 2025). [Vintage vs Modern Comparison](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jolzr2Es7E) Rationale: Direct A/B comparison between the new Connfirmation and the vintage Conn 6M it emulates.
3. Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center "A Century and a Half of Sound: Conn's Limited Edition CONNfirmation" (November 6, 2025). [Dealer Announcement](https://chucklevins.com/blogs/chucks-blog/a-century-and-a-half-of-sound-the-conn-cas811ltd150-limited-edition-alto-saxophone-has-arrived-at-chuck-levin-s) Rationale: Provides official dealer specifications and marketing context regarding the 150th anniversary.
4. Kessler & Sons Music "Conn 150th Anniversary Limited Edition Alto Sax – CONNfirmation" (Product Page). [Kessler Product Details](https://kesslerandsons.com/product/conn-150th-anniversary-limited-edition-alto-sax-connfirmation/) Rationale: Source of the "Pinky Swear" and "Wonkiness" information regarding the production numbers.
5. CafeSaxophone Forum "Conn 150th Anniversary Alto Saxophone" (November 2025). [Community Discussion](https://cafesaxophone.com/threads/conn-150th-anniversary-alto-saxophone.37461/) Rationale: Critical discussion and community reaction to the pricing and features.
ARTICLE STRUCTURE: Conn Confirmation Alto Saxophone
|
+-- 1. Executive Summary
| |-- Subject: C.G. Conn CAS811LTD150 "Connfirmation"
| |-- Context: 150th Anniversary Limited Edition (2025)
| |-- Purpose: "Prototyping Concept" / Brand Re-entry
| |-- Core Concept: "American Sound" + Modern Ergonomics
|
+-- 2. Glossary
| |-- Tech: American Sound, Bach Brass, ConnSonic
| |-- Features: Generative Brace, Rolled Tone Holes
| |-- Legacy Models: 6M, 10M, 26M, 28M
|
+-- 3. Detailed Analysis
| |-- A. Introduction & History
| | |-- Significance: First pro Conn in 50+ years
| | |-- Philosophy: Rejecting the "French" (Selmer) standard
| | |-- Goal: Resurrecting the Big Band/Jazz projection
| |
| |-- B. Acoustic Engineering
| | |-- Bore: Complex Large Taper (Parabolic/Wide)
| | |-- Material: American Bach Brass (Stradivarius alloy)
| | |-- Treatment: "ConnSonic" efficiency process
| |
| |-- C. Mechanical Innovations
| | |-- Body: Single-post-to-body (Max vibration)
| | |-- Brace: "Generative" Nickel-Silver (Topology optimized)
| | |-- Pads: True Rolled Tone Holes + Pisoni Pro
| |
| |-- D. Aesthetic Design
| | |-- Finish: Heat-fused Aged Natural Brass (Sealed)
| | |-- Style: Art Deco Engraving & Retro-modern Wire Guards
| | |-- Extras: Grenadilla End Plug, Heavy Neck Screw
| | |-- Mouthpiece: Hand-finished Brilhart Ebolin
| |
| |-- E. Market Positioning
| | |-- The "Wonkiness": Series marked /150, but only 40 made
| | |-- Price: ~$6,999 (High-end Professional)
| | |-- Strategy: A "Pinky Swear" for future production lines
| |
| +-- F. Conclusion
| |-- Identity: Declaration of the American Saxophone's return
| +-- Verdict: Bridging history with innovation
|
+-- 4. References
|-- 1. Sax Stable (Deep Dive/Visuals)
|-- 2. Lorenzo Ferrero (Comparison vs. Vintage 6M)
|-- 3. Chuck Levin's (Dealer/Specs)
|-- 4. Kessler & Sons (Production details)
+-- 5. CafeSaxophone (Community reaction)