Sold For $17,269
*Includes Buyers Premium
Vintage studio-used C. G. Conn 10M ‘Naked Lady’ tenor saxophone from the personal collection of Alto Reed, the longtime saxophonist for Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band, whose work on classic songs like ‘Turn the Page’ and ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’ helped define the sound of American heartland rock. The gold-lacquered saxophone, with serial number “271951,” is signed on the bell in silver ink by Bob Seger. Reed relied on this instrument heavily during his early years with the band, playing it alongside the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section on classic Seger albums like Night Moves (1976) and Against the Wind (1980). Before embracing the Selmer brand, Reed employed older, more affordable saxes like this ‘Naked Lady,’ which is believed to have been one of Reed’s go-to saxophones during this period. In fine, well-used condition, with some welding to a lower key guard, and light overall wear and scuffing. Accompanied by its original Conn hardshell carrying case.
Saxophonist Alto Reed became a defining part of Bob Seger’s sound when he first joined him on the 1973 album Back in ’72. What followed was a 42-year run touring with the Silver Bullet Band, where Reed’s saxophone grew into a second voice within the music. His playing wasn’t ornamental; it carried emotion and meaning, most famously on 'Turn the Page,' where his restrained, mournful tone captured a sense of loneliness and resilience. That sound helped shape an era of American rock, quietly bridging Seger’s storytelling lyrics with melodic depth. Beyond his long partnership with Seger, Reed performed with a wide range of artists across rock and blues, including Foghat, Grand Funk Railroad, Little Feat, Otis Rush, George Thorogood, Robin Gibb, and many others.
Following Reed’s death in 2020, Seger said the following about his late friend: ‘I loved him like a brother. I may have been the leader, but he was our rock star. He was the audience favorite, hands down. He was bold and worldly. I learned so much from the guy. And he was a great ambassador to the fans. He took time for everybody, any picture, anywhere. I can’t say enough good things about him.’
From the collection of Alto Reed, accompanied by a letter of provenance from Victoria Reed.
