I have been offered a Conn Shooting Star tenor sax with the serial number N136293.
Can anyone advise me about this instrument ? I believe it is over thirty years old but I don't know where it was made and whether it is any good.
Many thanks.
Alan

Alan,

Your Conn Saxophone was made in 1970. It is known as a Shooting Star or Directors model. In the 60's it would have been called the 16M.

There are lots of opinions on these horns. Many people think of them as a 'student model' and others actually use them professionally to this day. 1970 was an interesting year for Conn. Throughout the 60's they had been experimenting with different designs and tapers on all their instruments to see how big a sound they could get out of some of them and 1970 was the telltale year for many. So, whether someone likes the instrument or is able to play the instrument well may have to do with their ability and technique to handle the instrument. The Shooting Star is a workhorse of an instrument. You might have to have a little work done on the keys but it should be simple.

If you are paying for this instrument don't spend too much. A good playing condition with typical scratches and what have you over 30 years go for about $250 ish. Pay a little more if it is in great shape and/or had a recent padding job. Otherwise try to stay under $300.