Post TH&C Fan/Owner Club...

[Hurling Frootmig]

For those of us who are lacking the castle and the silver tone ring . . . but have more money left over in our pockets :-).

I have a 394k 400 with the back mounted bell keys and full compliment of snaps. Great horn. Wonderful intonation, Big flexible sound, great action. I had my tech do an overahaul on it after getting it and he did his typically amazing job.

I also have a 355k Crat with a big bell (Model 141) - almost identical to the 400 in every facet.

[Sigmund451]

Had one, really liked it, great horn but I traded it for my The Martin 58 model. It was a tough call but I wanted a little darker. Preselmer 400's are great tho. A guy in England is enjoying mine currently.

[JL]

I've already raved on this forum about my 331xxx model 156 Aristocrat tenor. It has the big bell that looks identical to the 400 bell. Gayle at vintagesax (who I bought it from), play tested it right next to a TH&C and she tells me they were almost identical in sound and action. Just something for those looking for one of these special horns to consider. I don't think you'd go wrong with either one (TH&C or 156 tenor, 141 alto).

[spiderjames]

I had an S-5 alto that I regret selling. Really superb intonation. I had my eyes on two on ebay lately but I missed them both.

[Hurling Frootmig]

Spiderjames,

I might be let go of my S-5 as I found a model 140 Aristocrat I think I like even better. Send me an e-mail if you are interested. It just had an overhaul six months ago and has all of the snaps.

[spiderjames]

thanks for the offer Hurling, but I just purchased a 140 before I saw your post. The sound is real similar to the s-5, Maybe a bit sweeter. I have been playing mostly older Conn's and I forgot how quick these bueschers move. I may have to try a buescher tenor.

[spiderjames]

JL,
I thought the 157 was the model with the 400 bell and back mounted keys? Your 156 has them?

[JL]

spiderjames,
No, the 156 has keys mounted on the left side of the bell, from the players perspective, with ribbon guards. It is identical to the later "Big B" Aristocrat, but has a script engraving, instead of the "B" engraving. The bell is identical to the 400, except for key placement. As I mentioned, Gayle at vintagesax told me it compared very favorably with a TH&C, with a similar sound. In any case, it's a monster. I go back & forth with my VI, but the Buescher has a bigger, more wide open sound. My point is, you can pick up a 156 tenor for a much better price than a TH&C, yet get a similar horn. Of course you want it to be in good condition.