<h1>How to Get Your Conn 22M New Wonder Saxophone Appraised</h1> <p>The <strong>Conn 22M New Wonder Saxophone</strong> stands as one of the most iconic jazz instruments ever created, commanding valuations between <strong>$3,500 and $4,500</strong> depending on condition, originality, and documentation. Whether you're evaluating an inherited treasure or considering a sale, understanding how to properly appraise this legendary instrument ensures you receive accurate valuation and comprehensive documentation.</p> <h2>Understanding Your Conn 22M's Historical Significance</h2> <p>Introduced in the <strong>1920s</strong>, the Conn 22M New Wonder established itself as the gold standard for jazz saxophones, favored by professional musicians and jazz enthusiasts worldwide. Your instrument represents more than just a musical tool—it's a piece of American cultural history. The 22M gained legendary status through its warm, rich tone and responsive keywork, making it the choice of serious musicians during jazz's formative decades.</p> <p>This historical pedigree directly influences modern appraisal values. Unlike generic saxophones with uncertain provenance, the Conn 22M's documented legacy commands consistent market respect. Understanding what year your saxophone was made and tracing its production timeline helps establish both authenticity and market positioning. Many collectors and musicians ask <strong>Are Conn saxophones good?</strong> The answer for the 22M is unequivocal—it remains considered one of the finest jazz saxophones ever manufactured, rivaling even modern professional instruments in desirability.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Appraiser's Insight</strong></p> <p>Conn 22M saxophones with documented ownership history or performance records can command premiums of 15-25% above standard market values.</p></div> <h2>Key Features That Impact Your Conn 22M's Appraisal Value</h2> <p>When seeking a professional appraisal, experts examine specific technical and aesthetic factors that directly influence valuation. Your Conn 22M's construction from <strong>high-quality brass with a lacquered finish</strong> creates distinctive visual and acoustic characteristics that define its market position.</p> <p>The instrument's responsive keywork represents engineering excellence that affects both playability and collectibility. Original key springs, precise regulation, and smooth mechanical action command higher appraisal values than instruments requiring restoration. The <strong>22M's distinctive body design</strong> sets it apart from earlier Conn models, making production era identification crucial during appraisal.</p> <p>Condition assessment focuses on several critical areas. The lacquer finish's integrity, pad condition, cork wear, and mechanical responsiveness all factor into professional valuations. Saxophones with replaced pads may see 10-20% value reductions depending on workmanship quality, while instruments requiring significant restoration could drop substantially below the $3,500-$4,500 range. Conversely, exceptionally well-preserved examples with original pads and minimal wear frequently reach the upper valuation spectrum.</p> <h2>Determining Your Saxophone's Production Year and Serial Number</h2> <p>One of the first questions collectors ask is <strong>How can you tell how old a Conn saxophone is?</strong> Professional appraisers use serial number research combined with production records to establish manufacture dates with precision. Your Conn 22M's serial number, typically located on the bell or body tube, directly connects to factory records spanning the 1920s through later production runs.</p> <p>Understanding <strong>How do I check my serial number?</strong> involves locating this identifier and cross-referencing it against established Conn saxophone production timelines. The Conn company maintained detailed manufacturing records, and certified appraisers have access to comprehensive databases correlating serial numbers to specific production years. This dating process is essential for authentication and market valuation, as <strong>How do I find out what year my saxophone is?</strong> becomes critical information for collectors.</p> <p>The Conn 22M production history spans multiple decades, with variations in construction and finish across different manufacturing periods. Saxophones from the original 1920s production run typically command higher valuations than later examples, assuming similar condition. Professional appraisers specializing in <a href="/blog/appraising-musical-instruments-determining-the-worth-of-melodic-investments">musical instruments</a> understand these temporal distinctions and their market implications.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Serial Number Location</strong></p> <p>Most Conn saxophones display serial numbers on the bell or upper body tube; some also appear on the neck. Always provide all visible serial numbers during appraisal requests.</p></div> <h2>Market Conditions and Recent Sales Data</h2> <p>The vintage saxophone market shows remarkable resilience, with quality Conn 22M instruments maintaining strong collector interest. Recent market analysis reveals several pricing trends. Instruments described as being in excellent original condition consistently achieve the upper range of $4,000-$4,500. Those requiring minor restoration or showing moderate wear typically fall into the $3,500-$4,000 range. Examples with significant damage, missing pads, or structural issues may drop below $3,500, requiring professional restoration assessment.</p> <p>Understanding <strong>What is the average price of a good saxophone?</strong> reveals that Conn 22M pricing reflects premium positioning within vintage markets. Student-grade vintage saxophones typically value $800-$1,500, while professional-grade contemporary instruments might reach $5,000-$8,000. The Conn 22M occupies a unique middle ground—historically significant, professionally viable, and increasingly recognized as an investment-grade collectible. This positioning explains the consistency of the $3,500-$4,500 valuation range across multiple market channels.</p> <p><strong>Where were Conn saxophones made?</strong> represents another important authentication question. Conn manufactured its saxophones in <strong>Elkhart, Indiana</strong>, establishing a reputation for American-made quality that enhances collector appeal. Instruments bearing authentic Elkhart production marks carry stronger valuations than questionable examples or imports. Professional appraisers verify manufacturing location through examination of maker's marks, construction details, and material signatures characteristic of genuine Conn production.</p> <h2>Factors Influencing Whether Your Saxophone Increases in Value</h2> <p>Collectors frequently ask <strong>Do saxophones increase in value?</strong> The answer depends heavily on specific models and market conditions. The Conn 22M's legacy status positions it favorably for value appreciation compared to lesser-known brands. Several factors support ongoing appreciation for quality examples.</p> <p>Supply constraints work in your favor—Conn ceased production of the 22M decades ago, meaning the instrument pool is finite and gradually declining as examples break or enter permanent collections. Growing interest in jazz history and vintage instrument collecting continuously expands the buyer base. Professional musicians occasionally recognize the 22M's superior acoustic properties and seek quality examples, adding collector demand to investor interest. Documented history following <strong>How much can you sell a used saxophone for?</strong> suggests that authenticated, well-maintained Conn 22M saxophones in the collectible market consistently command premium pricing relative to generic vintage instruments.</p> <p>The question <strong>Is Conn the same as Selmer?</strong> clarifies important market distinctions. While both represent premium saxophone manufacturers, they represent different traditions and market segments. Selmer dominated the soprano and tenor market, while Conn established particular strength in alto and specialty models. This differentiation means your Conn 22M occupies a distinct market niche where it competes favorably against comparable vintage instruments.</p> <h2>Understanding Vintage Saxophone Classification and Appraisal Standards</h2> <p><strong>What is considered a vintage saxophone?</strong> Professional appraisers typically classify saxophones manufactured before 1960 as vintage, with pre-1940 examples designated as antique. Your Conn 22M, originating from the 1920s-era introduction, qualifies as antique in most professional assessments. This classification significantly influences appraisal methodology and value positioning. When you're reviewing <a href="/types/memorabilia-and-collectibles">memorabilia and collectibles appraisals</a>, vintage instruments follow specialized assessment protocols similar to other historical artifacts.</p> <p>The difference between vintage and antique classification matters considerably. Antique instruments often command premium pricing due to scarcity and historical significance, while vintage examples balance collectibility with relative availability. Your 22M's antique status combined with its jazz legacy creates a compelling valuation profile that professional appraisers understand through specialized expertise in <a href="/blog/assessing-the-value-of-musical-instruments-appraisals-of-vintage-guitars-pianos-and-violins">assessing vintage musical instruments</a>.</p> <div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Appraisal Advantage</strong></p> <p>Antique classification typically supports stronger valuations and premium insurance coverage, particularly for well-documented instruments with performance history.</p></div> <h2>Is Conn Still in Business and How That Affects Your Saxophone's Value</h2> <p>A common question in the vintage saxophone market concerns <strong>Is Conn still in business?</strong> The company's complex history—including ownership changes, production relocations, and eventual discontinuation of vintage-style instruments—actually enhances your 22M's collectibility. Modern Conn production focuses on student and intermediate instruments rather than reproducing the legendary 22M design.</p> <p>This production discontinuity creates favorable market conditions for original 22M instruments. Your saxophone represents an authentic artifact from Conn's golden era, impossible to replicate despite modern attempts. The company's historical significance combined with production closure strengthens your instrument's investment profile. Professional appraisers recognize this distinction when valuing instruments from companies no longer manufacturing comparable models—it positions these examples as increasingly scarce collectibles rather than simply "old used instruments."</p> <h2>Getting a Professional Conn 22M Appraisal</h2> <p>When seeking appraisal services for your Conn 22M, you'll find that <a href="/blog/online-personal-property-appraisals-uspap-compliant">USPAP-compliant appraisals</a> provide the documentation foundation necessary for insurance, sale, or estate purposes. Professional appraisers specializing in musical instruments bring credential value that individual market research cannot match. They access comparative sales data, production records, and authentication resources providing comprehensive valuations.</p> <p>The appraisal process typically begins with detailed examination of your saxophone's serial number, construction details, and current condition. Certified appraisers document findings through high-resolution photography, measurement records, and comparative market analysis. This comprehensive documentation serves multiple purposes—establishing fair market value for insurance replacement coverage, supporting authentic sale listings with credible valuation backing, and creating permanent records for collection documentation.</p> <p>AppraiseItNow connects you with credentials experts holding designations from recognized organizations including <strong>AAA, ISA, ASA, CAGA, and AMEA</strong>—specialists qualified to assess your Conn 22M's unique characteristics and provide defensible valuations. These appraisers understand the distinctions between comparable instruments, recognize authentication markers, and apply appropriate methodology consistent with <a href="/blog/a-guide-to-professional-personal-property-appraisals">personal property appraisal standards</a>.</p> <h2>Documentation That Strengthens Your Appraisal</h2> <p>Assembling comprehensive documentation before appraisal significantly enhances accuracy and value positioning. Original purchase receipts, performance records, maintenance documentation, and photographs all support professional valuations. If your Conn 22M includes original case materials, mouthpieces, or other period accessories, these items factor positively into total appraisal values.</p> <p>Ownership history represents another documentation advantage. Instruments with documented provenance—particularly those connected to noted musicians, jazz venues, or significant performances—frequently command premium valuations. Professional appraisers recognize and value this historical documentation, potentially increasing your saxophone's appraised value substantially above standard market ranges for comparable condition examples without such provenance.</p> <p>Condition assessment photographs taken before appraisal visits help appraisers prepare and demonstrate pre-existing issues versus appraisal-date observations. Detailed records of any repairs or maintenance work establish the instrument's service history, affecting value determination. When seeking <a href="/blog/the-role-of-expertise-and-credentials-in-personal-property-appraisals">expertise in personal property appraisals</a>, providing thorough documentation streamlines the process and supports higher confidence in final valuations.</p> <div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p> <p>Your Conn 22M New Wonder Saxophone represents a significant collectible asset valued at $3,500-$4,500. Professional appraisal documentation ensures accurate valuation, proper authentication, and defensible positioning whether you're buying, selling, insuring, or documenting this legendary jazz instrument for collection purposes.</p></div>