SOLD - These compare very favorably to the famed Selmer Mark VI, usually ranked #2. Known for its rich tone and smooth action it is a well designed heavy horn, it keeps its adjustment well and is very reliable. The serial number is 8,0xx, which means it was made in 1961. Original Lacquer is about 50% although there are some scratches (see pics) it will be a great value for the money, the G# "pearl" is missing and a few of the bell guard pearls too, we'll see if we can make these blemishes better with some other inserts. The early serial #s are darker in tone and the same holds true for the early Selmers (adding their big $ boost). Included is an original Buffet tan hard case in good solid shape. It will get a "French Standard" rebuild, and leave in the original screw-in, large, flat, metal resos.
Buescher 1967 ‘400 (flower)’ Eb Alto, #457k (Archived)
SOLD - ser # 457xxx, These are highly undervalued models--well respected by those who know, great intonation, better than average ergos. Some labels will call this the 1st Generation Selmer from the buyout. It retains the underslung neck and the bell keys moved back to the left. This example is in very nice condition, Original Lacquer at 98%, and some normal wear on the nickel plated keys. no resolders to mention. There are only a few little dings throughout, they will all be taken care of in the rebuild. They maintain the Buescher warmth but have a bigger sound from their exponential bore and the big bell. Comes in non original case, plastic casing--good, functioning condition. The original snap in system is intact, so I plan to do a complete "Original Buescher" style rebuild, with metal backed-press in pads and then snap in the original metal domes with natural cork throughout.
Buescher 1951 ‘Aristocrat III – Flower’ Eb Alto, #345k (Archived)
SOLD - Original lacquer is great, maybe 85%. Serial number 345k, i really like this model. This is the transitional link, between the aristocrat and the buescher 400. All the original snap in system is intact, so it received a complete "Buescher style rebuild" and it will go for:
Buescher 1948 ‘Aristocrat II – Big B’ Eb Alto, #325k (Archived)
SOLD - Here's the warmth and power combined! This is a very good player! 325xxx... no snaps (negative to a collector--does not hurt the playing) but great pads with plastic resos, Original finish (some might argue this by looking at the engraving. It is my opinion that the bell was worn with hands and re-buffed--see how the edges are still deeply cut; this verifies more original). CASE: TBD--I'll find a nice upgrade to go with it. This one will get fully tuned up to play even better, smoother, oiled and you're going to make your band-mates jealous!
Buescher 1951 ‘400 – “Top Hat & Cane”‘ Eb Alto, Mint #346,10x (Archived)
SOLD - GORGEOUS! Perhaps the most beautiful one for sale! Ser# 346,10x. The only bad mark to mention: neck cork area. This also comes as a complete set: original mouthpiece, ligature, cap, "Buescher" screwdriver(cool!), lyre, in a beautiful case to match.
Buescher 1950 ‘400 – “Top Hat & Cane”‘ Eb Alto, #333,7xx (Archived)
SOLD - (Consignment Sale: Plays Excellent!) ser # 333,7xx, These are fantastic altos--well respected, better than average ergos. This example is in excellent condition, Original Lacquer, They maintain the Buescher warmed but have a bigger sound from their exponential bore and the big bell. Comes in a nice vintage case. The original snap in system is intact, so Sarge did a complete "Original Buescher" style rebuild, with metal backed-press in pads and then snap in the original metal domes with natural cork throughout...and it will all go for:
Buescher 1928 ‘True Tone’ Eb Alto, series IV Silver-stunning #246k (Archived)
SOLD - If you buy a TT series, this is the one to get (roller G#), Serial number 246k. GORGEOUS original silver plating at looks at 99% and the later engraving change. This is a beauty with satin vs shiny contrast, no goldwash bell--There is NO WEAR on the sax. I only see some neckstrap wear, but there is no silver loss on even the palms or thumbrest. You just feel better holding this one. There were no Norton springs this early but the blue steel needle springs look to be much newer...sweet! This model has a great tubby-warmth to the sound --Sigard Rascher made this one famous! Neck #1 . They have a tone that is uniquely 'Buescher' for early vintage saxes--very woody--but intonation was not perfected well on these 1920s horns; NEWER PADS! The Snap In system look fully intact, but I can't say if the pads used were Metal-backed without taking it apart. It comes in an original Buescher case in great shape to match, but the handle was wrapped in tape to fix.
Guardala 1990s ‘DG500-SP ‘ Bb Tenor, Silver Plate #003822 (Archived)
SOLD - Sarge's Collection: Another really fantastic German sax is a B&S stencil, for Dave Guardala. I just bought this one, i have been searching for a early serial number Guardala model 500 for some time. The craftsmanship is awesome on these horns. Ergonomics are up there with Keilwerth and Selmer, the materials used are far above par. The sound is unique and falls somewhere in-between a Conn "Chu" Tenor and a Selmer MK VI. Here is the Official Description:
The serial number is below 4000. This sax was manufactured before Guardala's association with LA Sax started, and compromises in the quality of the product began appearing."This professional level Bb Tenor saxophone is fabricated and hand made from 72% formulated Copper alloy yellow brass with full rib post construction and hand hammered bell. All rods are solid nickel silver with stainless steel screws, springs are tempered blue steel and authentic Mother of Pearl key buttons are used throughout. Custom hand made French pads, by Chanu, with metal resonators come standard along with hand engraving on the bell, high F#, plus extensive fine tuning key adjustment screws at all critical points. This horn has triple silver plating finish with meticulous fancy hand engraving on the bell. Upper and lower key stacks are ergonomically designed for smooth, accurate and positive digital feel."
CRB addendum: SERIAL : #03822 (updated 10/2016)