SOLD - Ser.# m148,xxx dates to 1925. Physically in Excellent condition, this "Chu", nailfile G#, rolled tone holes, tuning neck, Goldwash bell, everything we love, will be a great one. Original Silver plate and Satin Silver highlights model, in very nice overall condition. There is clear lacquer coat over the silver that is flaky off and can/should be removed during the rebuild (included). Now, if you've never played a Chu, they are stunningly powerful altos...big fat sound top to bottom. Ergos are not that great, but I know a lot of players that play them in spite of the 20's design and would never switch to a Selmer. I will repad it, with a Conn-style, french standard repad (aka, a vintage rebuild, a 899.00 rebuild+lacquer stripping).
Conn 1923 ‘New Wonder I’ Eb Alto, Gold plate Artist Full Naked Lady (in water) #117k (Archived)
SOLD - Ser.# 117,xxx dates to 1923. There appears to be silver inlay on the field and the lady's towel. There is some normal wear on the side/palm keys and other common areas. I am considering how much to re-Gold but it looks ok as it--just played mostly worn into the silver; these Artist models always deserve replating work though. These are great lookers and I'm always compelled to make it as pretty as I can. Ergos are not that great, but i know a lot of players that play them in spite of the 20's design and would never switch to a Selmer. Tone-wise...these are warmer than the later Chu era Conn's and bring a full warmth to the sound. Comes in a newer (still old) TRI-PACK case that still has the clarinet 'zone', and flute case elastic straps where a whole flute case might fit in there! I'd have to check again. It's all in sturdy condition. (For shipping it's a Tenor size) I will repad it, with a Conn-style, French standard repad (aka, a vintage rebuild, a 899.00 rebuild).
Buffet 1982 ‘S-1’ Eb Alto, w/ high F#, #33k (Archived)
SOLD - These are considered the pinnacle of Buffet's designs. They are known mostly for they're genius (or wacky) rockers on the C#/Bb and Eb/C...."only sax in history to be able to comfortably go from low C# to Low Bb"(in Sarge's words). They have a French richness in tone tone and smooth action. Ergos have a High rating for comfort. Tone is brighter than the Super Dynaction era prior. I would say these are like a focused Buffet sound crossed with a King Super 20 cutting abilities; and it is a well designed heavy horn. it keeps its adjustment well and is overall reliable. The serial number is 33,xx, which means it was made in 1982. EXCELLENT Original Lacquer is about 97% although there are some scratches and wear on the keyguards(see pics). Typical S-1 style neck with the cut-out for the F#, adjustable thumbrest, several screw adjusters throughout (like selmers). NO visible damage or dings! Included is the original hard case which is in good shape. It was recently rebuilt by a notable U.S. sax shop with slightly domed metal resos w/ rivet (a "modern Selmer Rebuild"). It looks to have been rebuilt 1-2 yrs ago. Pads look good and have lots of life left.
Buffet 1972 ‘Super Dynaction’ Eb Alto, #17,3xx (Archived)
SOLD - (Consignment-Plays well. ) It does play all the way down to low Bb. 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 holds its adjustment well and is very reliable. The serial number is 17,3xx, which means it was made in 1972. Original Lacquer is about 95% although there are some scratches (see pics, past dent repairs above neckstrap ring and bell lip. both look great now.) these are always a great value for the money. Included is a great SKB molded, hard case OR... original Buffet hard case in good solid shape--but we would need to plan with the owner to have it delivered. It was rebuilt elsewhere with minimal use with a "French Standard"rebuild that has selmer-style, plastic resos.
Buffet 1961 ‘Super Dynaction’ Eb Alto, 4-digit #8,0xx (Archived)
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!