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)
Martin 1935 ‘Handcraft’ Bb Soprano, curved #113k (Archived)
SOLD - Considering the serial number, this is a very very late Handcraft Soprano! One of my favorite sopranos is Martin. These curved ones are super rare! It is keyed to high Eb. The finish may be tricky to say--let's call it a Relacquer with 90% intact. Lacquer was first being used on saxes in this 1934+era. Consider that into the history of the sax. I can not say for certain that this sax was silver or bare brass originally. Perhaps during the rebuild I will be able to see a mark to tell me more history of the sax. It currently does play all the way down to Bb and it has a wamr, curved soprano sound. (See Conn Sound Files). ser #113K dates it to 1935, relacquer finish with mild pitting. NO MAJOR DAMAGE to mention, I don't see anything worth mentioning on that topic. The ring soldered to the thumbrest appears to be an addition after factory build. The body is very clean of dents or past damage. The original case shows wear from 80yrs of age, but some odor spray will help it and I'll take care of that for you.
Martin 1924 ‘Handcraft’ C-Soprano, #42k Silver (Archived)
SOLD - Original silver plate in excellent condition. It was "VIP Scouted" for a customer. Serial #42k, Straight C soprano in beautiful condition. Original case. Martin sopranos are some of Sarge and my favorites! They are well-built in strong metal. Intonation is easy to enjoy and I'll test a few mouthpieces when possible. Item #: WWS9.5ES9.1131.6-98