Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/12/2005

Question
Sir;
I recently acquired an older saxophone for my son and was looking for some information on the brand.The nickel plated tenor has a detail on it with the name "Paris Conservatory" on it. Also it has a serial number on it #F7269.Can you tell me anything about this instrument and its history? Is this an instrument worth spending money on to have it refurbished? Thank you, Gary Wolfe

Answer
Though I don't do so much with woodwinds, I did look up this name to see if there was anything on it, and I didn't find anything.  They used to think that the best horns came out of France, so often the sellers tried to imply that they were French made even if they were really made somewhere else.  I'm not saying that is what yours is, but it might be a possibility.  

As far as whether to fix it up or not, I would suggest you locate an experience sax player, and let them check it out.  I doubt that it is a collectors item, but if it plays well, it may be worth fixing.  

kms