SOLD - Original Lacquer at about 70%, this SDA was used by a true musician on USO tours. Buffet Super Dynaction saxes are French in design and smooth in action, and also heavy in build - built like tanks! The sax did have some mild pull-down damage in the past and we will repair/align the neck once we start work.
REBUILD: This sax will need/get a full rebuild, bath, and "acid+ treatment" - included! - to remove the small areas of green growth. It will come alive. I would recommend a WWS Standard Vintage Rebuild with tan pads and flat resos, but you are welcome to upgrade any component to your liking.
CASE: Original Buffet it arrived in is pretty shot. Expect me to purchase and new Protec ($200-250) to pair this sax with.
Buffet 1940s ‘SA 18-20’ Bb Soprano, Silver #2,889 (Archived)
SOLD - Buffet soprano (rare), in silver!(RARE), keyed to high F; also with SOLDERED ON TONEHOLES! (like a King or Martin) Once you geek-out on sax specifics, some players prefer and require soldered toneholes for the sound they seek.
Original case in good shape. Pads, the owner says, were invested in not long ago. There was a high level of PC work done prior to the sax arriving, consider the pads 'playing great on older pads' . It's worth mentioning that the lyre holder is removed (post solder evidence on the backside--good thing you don't want that anyway!) Notice the modern keywork!: Articulated G#+B, palm key design (not In-line)!
I must say that the uniqueness of this sax is the huge factor to this one. I was testing several mouthpieces (along with client--Doctorate in Sax) to see if this was perhaps a sax that he was searching for. Short Conclusion: After many mouthpieces, we conclude that the original mouthpiece (not present) must be crucial for the best optimum intonation. Overall it's a playable sax, where the biggest intonation issue was over the break (C2 to D2). The sax will need a vintage mouthpiece for best performance.
I have only seen one other similar sax for sale; it wasn't silver, nor was it labeled with the main parent company names as a flag-bearer.
Buffet 1978 ‘S-1’ Eb Alto, w/ high F#, #27k (Archived)
SOLD - Listen to Buffet S1 Sound Files! - Another stunning looker! - Pretty - 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 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. Typical S-1 style neck with the cut-out for the F#, adjustable thumbrest, several screw adjusters throughout (like selmers).
The serial number is 27,4xx, which means it was made in 1978. EXCELLENT Original Lacquer is about 97% although there are some very minor scratches to note, the neck cork was sanded beyond the cork(on metal) and one lone repair to the bell brace hidden under the keys (body side). Nothing else to point out. The photos should tell the rest of the story.
PADS: Original Setup. Plays very good considering the age.
CASE: Original Buffet case is excellent shape to match.
Item #: WWSConsignJH-08091.7-F80
Vito ‘Vito-LeBlanc’ Eb Alto, made in Taiwan #740k (Archived)
SOLD - Great modern ergos, backed by two big names LeBlanc, and Vito. It was made in Taiwan, but these are saxes that can be good for the starter budget and still play correctly.
Keilwerth ‘ST-90, Series 1’ Eb Alto, #655k (Archived)
SOLD - I like the series 1 for the REAL pearls. Although no high F# key (just fine for learning). All student saxes come with mouthpiece and case. (sometimes a few other misc accessories in the case. A strong, German design. I love these students saxes because (bias - I play on a JK tenor) they don't sound like other student saxes! - they have more meat in the tone; even across the student models.
CASE: a new case paired with it!
Cosmetic Rating: 7.5
PC work complete.
Item #: WWS2.5E9.99.381.6-C150
Keilwerth 1992 ‘Buffet Expression’ Bb Tenor, #98k (Archived)
SOLD - A pro sax that is the precursor to the Julius Keilwerth SX90. Don't let the "Buffet" label fool you; this is a Keilwerth sax. complete with the C/Eb design, high F# layout, and don't forget the adjustable palm key heights too! Serial # 98,xxx, it was built in about 1992. The dating is less exact on this era, but all info points to 1991-93. In the history of companies, Buffet and Keilwerth came under one ownership. Rumors from a friend/player in Iceland: These being made in the Buffet factory for Keilwerth. This seems correct as the pearl design is not that of Keilwerth (large version), but more like Buffet. SOUND: These are supremely warm and meaty, although not as meaty as my Couf or older JKs. I must insert the rumor here: factory talk of blending the JK with Buffet to build a [JK classical tone]. It this is true, I concur with this attempt because the sound is a bit more focused and reserved than my other Keilwerths in the shop (and my personal horn). REBUILD: I'd like to sell this with a full rebuild, and set it up to your specifications because it is playing on the original pad setup and it beginning to show age beyond what will be enjoyable. Let's discuss what you'd like; otherwise, I can put the JK Standard setup on it: seamless-domed, nickel resonators, on tan pads. CASE: original case in good condition.
Jupiter ‘JAS 669-667’ Eb Alto, #408k (Archived)
SOLD - Another starter sax with good ergos and decent tone. It doesn't have the high F# key, but that's not needed to start. nice original hard case. Made in Taiwan, Gold lacquer, nickel keys.
CASE: -yes. It arrived with a case in functional/ok/poor condition, but I'll look around the shop to upgrade it.
Cosmetic Rating: 6.5 -- shows signs of past dent repair. There's a cosmetic issue on the bell and the backside of the bow.
Item #:WWS0E2.5E7.42.8291.7-S0917
Conn 1941 ’10M’ Bb Tenor, #295,xxx (Archived)
SOLD - Looking for a loud Conn 10M under $2000? Since I see a faint engraving, I must say "re-lacquer"; the previous owner was sold this sax as Original, but I doubt that it is. The wear on the bell could be from use, or old buffing. Wear and tear report: A few dents in the rear bow, rolled tone holes that do look like some were flattened, none appear to be filed through the 'roll', no missing set-screws(one was cut into the post to remove--upper octave button post), one replaced pivot screw(C#1), upper bell lip has slight bent (I can help). Overall, it's a complete 10M with a huge, loud sound.
SOUND: This one is particularly "crisp" in tone. I suspect this tone is due to the mostly bare-brass finish.
PADS: the setup is tan pads on smaller flat resos with rivet (similar to Conn originals). Some pads with rivet only. I would guess, depending on use, they are 10-25 years old. They will play as is, with mild tuneups along the way, for another 1-7 years(depending on use).
CASE: a very nice Hiscox case! ($280+).
I would recommend this sax get a full rebuild to be enjoyed fully, however, since it can play great for a while with some tuneups, I will sell it with two prices.