SOLD - Here we go! I am biased toward loving Keilwerths... With the great JK WING-KEYGUARD (metal) and with Ser#25,9xx, JK dating dates it to the mid 50s, Overall the horn is good shape. It has had a few player upgrades and alterations (Selmer thumbrest!, pants guard replaced). It is a deep honey lacquer at 75%, that I cannot place as Original; however, the engraving looks great--not buffed away. It arrived with some pretty nice pads. I'll inspect the whole sax and my sure she's able to rock and blow the doors down. SOUND: JK is known for full body, and spread harmonics.
REPAIRS/Modifications: You can see a few repairs or modification to the sax. 1) the pants guard added(ask me about gold plating this to match the front guard), 2) the bell guard being the brighter gold (read on), 3) the octave thumb rest was moved to the side for better comfort while seated(I approve this move), 4) the thumbrest replaced into a Selmer hook. (I believe the original thumb hook, like a Martin size, is still in the case).
CASE: it comes in an early Protec model, which is a molded wrap, with a fake leather stitch over a hard case mold. Works well in good condition.
COOL STORY: It's a rare treat to have been taught by The Sarge (father of WWS). I studied his efforts so well that I can recognize his work. I was shocked on arrival because I could see it!!! This was worked on by Sarge! It received his Premium Rebuild with extra special green ultra suede and teflon linkages. It was too wild of a coincidence not to check in with the owner I got this from. He had to verify with another fellow prior. YEP. Sure enough, it was. I can almost remember Sarge talking about this sax and goldplating the bell guard!
Although I can date the rebuild to roughly 8-9years ago, the sax arrived playing great with an "A-" grade and the pads showing little use. Talk about how good Sarge's work was! How's your sax doing after 8 years? I will give the case a full tune up, and adjustment, and ensure she's at an A+ grade.
Item #:WWS1QE7.9E5.3151.6-98
Guardala 1990s ‘DG500-GL’ Bb Tenor, Rose Gold #00832 (Archived)
SOLD - Sarge's Collection: Whew! this baby always gets more looks in the shop than most. What a color! This Uber-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. All the Guardala extras come standard, like hand engraving on the bell (not laser engraved like the later made Guardala's), high F#, plus extensive fine tuning key adjustment screws at all critical points, but you can't miss the meticulous, fancy, hand engraving on the bell. Upper and lower key stacks are ergonomically designed for smooth, accurate and positive digital feel.
The serial number is super low FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION ( #00832 -- CORRECTED NUMBERS 10/2016, Made in Germany). This sax was manufactured long before Dave Guardala's association with LA Sax started (that is, the "LA SAX" Laser engraved saxes bearing his name, after B&S folded), and LA Saxes compromises in the quality of the product began appearing. Don't be tricked, the DG500's are the real thing, serial numbers will differentiate the B&S models from the LA sax ones. The mouthpiece (in the pics) is sarge's and is not for sale or included. I never knew Sarge to even play this one and the set up is with tan pads and metal domed resos with rivet (like modern selmer). There are only two cosmetic things to mention and it is 1) a small lacquer burn on the low B key (see pics) and 2) the bow rib (very bottom) was resoldered at one point. I don't know the story there but I just reduced the price $500 to reflect this. Rare rose gold lacquered brass is so beautiful. I will have to find a nice case for her.
Couf 1984 ‘Superba 1’ Bb Tenor, #90k (Archived)
Conn 1941 ’10M’ Bb Tenor, #304,2xx
#304k with Rolled Tone holes. ORIGINAL FINISH at 85%. I'm not going to talk too much about this one. The resume should tell you all you need to know. It plays awesome; it is the prime era for Conn 10M sound. You'll love it. Note the reso upgrade: The boost to the tones is adding some treble to the power. aka: a legit jazzer might not love the boost, but a Rock 'n' Roller will love it. [this is not a major difference, just something I must make a note of for your ears. If you'd like to have a conversation about it, let's chat! Also, I can work up a Sound File per your Request also.] Fresh Tan Pads, new metal thumbhook from the owner. (YES! You'll love this!) Also, the original thumbhook is in the case to preserve originality.
--Like-New Protec XL case ($155~)
--Thumbhook upgrade ($70~) (Original hook is in the case for the collector)
--Fresh repad ($900-1100~)
--Brass reso upgrade ($150~)
= +$1275.00 (est) of invested value into a great sax.
Item #:WWSConsignmentmn
Conn 1925 ‘New Wonder I/Chu Berry Transitional’ Bb Tenor, Silver #166k (Archived)
Buffet 1981 ‘S-1’ Bb Tenor, #31,9xx (Archived)
$SOLD - PRETTY! This rare Buffet S-1 looks and plays great on arrival with pads that were worked on elsewhere. We will adjust the playability to verify it to play awesome right out of the box. The case is a molded SKB hard case in good shape.
Known for its well design, these heavy horns keep adjustment well and are very reliable, also excellent intonation and crazy gadgets on the Eb/C rocker, Low Bb table, High F#, & opt. F#--Highly over-engineered. The serial number is 31,9xx, which means it was made in 1981. the later the era, the more edge the sax will have; and some folks prefer them for that trait. The S-1 is actually quite brighter and bolder than the previous SDAs; so they're a cross between the Buffet SDA & a King Super 20 but lean towards the French sound.
Buffet 1976 ‘S-1’ Bb Tenor, #26,0xx (Archived)
Buescher 1953 ‘400 – “Top Hat & Cane”‘ Bb Tenor, #346,86x (Archived)
SOLD - SOUND FILE - Wow, oh wow. COLLECTOR ALERT! Original pads, minor tune-ups done. Ser# 346,xxx dates it to 1953-4! You'd be surprised how long these Buescher pads can last! Notable mentions: one resolder (neck support braces--very well done), minor dings removed from bow, bell lip wear on an old rim bend(see pic). Comes with original case in very good shape (all latches work etc)
I'm more than happy to queue up a Sound File to prove this baby plays lusciously.