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Overview of Conn Woodwind Mouthpieces

Introduction
In this article I will attempt to provide an overview of the various woodwind mouthpieces listed in Conn catalogs over the years.

Index of mouthpieces
From the 1934 catalog
Bonacio Steelay Reed Mouthpieces
Standard Steelay Reed Mouthpieces
Comet Saxophone Mouthpieces
Connstellation Reed Mouthpieces
Crystal Rock Clarinet Mouthpieces
Precision Reed Mouthpieces
E-Z Tone Reed Mouthpieces

From the 1934 Conn catalog
(serial number range 26x,xxx)

The 1934 Conn catalog lists five different types of mouthpiece lay:
A -- Short and close
B -- CONN facing French style
C -- CONN facing slightly more open than French
D -- Medium length moderately open
E -- Medium length more open than D

The mouthpieces were ebonite and all five lays were available for the following instruments:

Bb Clarinet, Eb Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
C Soprano saxophone, Bb Soprano saxophone, Eb Alto saxophone, C Melody saxophone, Bb Tenor saxophone, Eb Baritone saxophone, Bb Bass saxophone.

Each instrument - lay combination has a different model/catalog number. Mouthpieces could be made to special order.

Listed separately is a mouthpiece for a sarrusophone. Description is "New style for single reed".

Bonacio Steelay mouthpieces
From the 1935 Conn catalog (serial number range 263,500 - 271,xxx). These are not listed in the 1937 or later catalogs.

The 1935 Conn catalog explains that Bennie Bonacio was "1st saxophone and 1st clarinet with the celebrated Paul Whiteman Orchestra".

Conn's description in the 1935 catalog:
"The tone chamber of the Bonacio, the vital spot in any mouthpiece, is carefully cut throughout and is finally calipered to insure scientific accuracy. It is of the utmost importance that a complete inside cut be made, for only in this manner can the unique size and shape of the Bonacio tone chamber be built in. The tip and sides of the mouthpiece openings are also hand-cut and carefully checked for absolute precision. The complete inside is hand-finished throughout, giving it a smooth, bright surface [...]. The lay is put on by hand, is carefully polished by hand, and is double-checked with fine precision gauges to insure perfect dimensions. The tip is correctly shaped for comfort in the mouth and the complete outside is beautifully polished until it looks like black glass. Each mouthpiece minutely inspected and individually packed in attractive box. Workmen who make the Bonacio are picked for their unusual skill and fine workmanship. Using the finest precision methods and tools, they shape, cut, and finish these mouthpieces with the utmost care. Their product is the world's finest mouthpiece."

The Bonacio Steelay mouthpieces were available with the same lays as the Standard Steelay mouthpieces, see descriptions below. However, they were not available for all the instruments the Standard Steelay was made. The Bonacio Steelay was available for the following instruments, each instrument - lay combination has a different model/catalog number:

Bb soprano clarinet, Eb alto clarinet, Bb bass clarinet.
Eb alto saxophone, Bb tenor saxophone, Eb baritone saxophone.

Standard Steelay mouthpieces
From the 1935-1956 Conn catalogs (serial number range 263,500 - 652,xxx)

The 1935, November 1937, March 1938 and 1939 Conn catalogs and the 1956 accessories catalog have description of Steelay mouthpieces. Conn's introductory description in the 1938 catalog reads as follows: "For acoustically perfect musical results, sweet tonal coloring, and fine intonation, the CONN STEELAY reed mouthpieces are the choice of the finest artists. They are hand-cut and hand-finished by experts in the Conn plant, from STEELAY! A recently developed fine texture rubber which is almost as free from shrinking and warping as steel, and can be cut and shaped with fine accuracy, takes a high "black glass" finish, and has necessary acoustical properties for rich tonal qualities. That is STEELAY as developed by CONN".

Continues:
The Standard Steelay tone chamber and throat follow the tradition of the Conn mouthpiece, being large and full for robust tone. This is the "standard" chamber and throat, developed over a period of years especially for Conn instruments. Important refinements, however, have been incorporated in this new line, especially in the alto and tenor saxophone and the soprano clarinet mouthpieces. Ample thickness at the tip and on the sidewalls guard against warping and shrinking. Inside carefully hand-finished. Lay accurately put on by hand and given "gun-metal" finish. Choice of the six lays [...] to meet a wide range of requirements. Outside polished to a high "black-glass" lustre. Each mouthpiece minutely inspected and individually packed in attractive box. this is an excellent mouthpiece , built for fine artists. Furnished as standard equipment with every new Conn instrument, and in big demand as special mouthpiece for all makes of saxophones and clarinets."

The catalog describes six different lays, proportioned especially for each instrument:

These six lays are listed as being available for the following instruments, each instrument - lay combonation has a different model/catalog number:

Eb soprano clarinet, Bb soprano clarinet, Eb alto clarinet, Bb bass clarinet.
Bb soprano saxophonne (straight), Bb soprano saxophone (curved), Eb alto saxophone, C melody saxophone, Bb tenor saxophone, Eb baritone saxophone, Bb bass saxophone.

Please note that the straight and curved soprano saxophones have different mouthpiece catalog numbers. The catalog also notes that Lay No.5 is most in demand (in 1935 - 1938).

The 1956 accessories catalog lists one additional lay: No.5A: "Special lay for Bb and A soprano clarinets only. Same facing and tip opening as No.5, but has sharper curve." The 1956 accessories catalog also doesn't anymore list the soprano and bass saxophones.

Comet saxophone mouthpieces
From the 1956 Conn accessories catalog (serial number range 571,xxx - 652,xxx)

In the 1956 accessories catalog Conn describes the Comet mouthpiece as follows:
"In demand to the demand by musicians for a mouthpiece qith a modern tone, Conn engineers have developed the "Magic Chamber" in the new Comet. The long, narrow throat produces that compact, vibrant tone with just the right amount of "edge" -- the modern tone! The delicate response to piano passages, and the reserve of volume instantly available give the player the sureness and confidence he needs to play his best. Musicans doubling saxophones like the easy switch possible with the Comet's "parallel embouchure." Comet alto, tenor and baritone mouthpieces are matched. Exclusive "ramp" gives uniform ligature pressure on the reeds - assures an even table width after refacing.
In three colors - white, amber and black. Seven modern lays to suit every musician's taste. A newer, more modern appearance! A newer, more modern tone!"

Connstellation reed mouthpieces
From the 1962 Conn accessories catalog (serial number range 949,xxx - C00,xxx)

In the 1962 accessories catalog Conn describes the Comet mouthpiece as follows:
"A new development in reed mouthpiece technology. Made from high impact rubber, machined to the finest tolerances. New improved chamber permits a beautifully rich tonal quality, highly responsive. Designed for the most discriminate performer in a wide selection of facings - all acoustically correct. The lay, the size of the tone chamber, the width of rails and all other critical physical dimensions were carefully developed to assure finest acoustical design."

Facings: #1 (very close) to #6 (very open). "S" indicates a shorter length of lay.

Crystal Rock clarinet mouthpieces
From the 1962 Conn accessories catalog (serial number range 949,xxx - C00,xxx)

In the 1962 accessories catalog Conn describes the Comet mouthpiece as follows:
These crystal mouthpieces, distributed exclusively by Conn Corporation, combine the rich tonal quality found only in European Water Crystal with handmade craftsmanship. Many professionals prefer the clear, mellow timbre of crystal. Available in 5 facings: #1 to #5 (close to open). Individually packaged in clear plastic box. For Bb Soprano Clarinet only.

Precision reed mouthpieces
From the 1962 Conn accessories catalog (serial number range 949,xxx - C00,xxx)

In the 1962 accessories catalog Conn describes the Comet mouthpiece as follows:
This new line of exclusive mouthpieces is manufactured and produced under the most rigid quality control standards. Medium priced, yet offers controlled response in all registers, with a rich tone quality. Facings: #2 (medium-close), #3 (medium), and #4 (medium-open).

Bb Soprano Clarinet - #2, #3, #4, available in black, ivory or clear material.
Alto Clarinet - #2, black
Bass Clarinet - #2, black
Alto Saxophone - #2, #3, #4, black
Tenor Saxophone - #2, #3, black
Baritone Saxophone - #2, black.

E-Z Tone reed mouthpieces
From the 1962 Conn accessories catalog (serial number range 949,xxx - C00,xxx)

In the 1962 accessories catalog Conn describes the Comet mouthpiece as follows:
Made from the finest black lucite available. Offered in a medium lay only. Inexpensive, yet of high quality.

Bb Soprano Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone.