selmer bundy serial 5253XX

[Amateursaxbassoonman]

Hi, I was looking around at serial number charts on the web and was a bit confused as far as Selmer bundy goes. Does anyone know about what date this serial # 5253XX for a Selmer bundy tenor would be? Thanks.

[Amateursaxbassoonman]

Nevermind, found it on the serial number FAQ. From early 1970s. Are all Bundy's student models?

[odsum25]

All Bundy horns are student models, but the idea has been put forth that a very early Bundy from right after the Selmer takeover of Buescher ('63) could be very good and a great bang for your buck. I don't know, just going on what has been written here a couple of times. I do know that if Keilworths are the Panzer tanks, Bundys are the Shermans.

[A Greene]

I've owned a Buescher Big B and a Bundy (Aristocat-ish) From 1970s and they are remarkable similiar. The down side to the bundy is that the metal seems more fragile. BUT when set-up properly, you can get the feel and sort-a sound of the great vintage Bueschers.

[retread]

And there are the Bundy Specials, which are Keilwerth stencils from the mid to late 1960s.

[Amateursaxbassoonman]

Thanks for the info. The serial # puts this one around 1970. It is completely refurbished, brand new pads, corks, felts, etc. and the finish was redone, handscratch, rather interesting look. Right now, I"ve got the highest bid at $86, I might go up to $100. I figure I've got nothing to lose at a low price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7412281131&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT&rd=1

[Carl H.]

Might be decent, but odds are that with that much time remaining, it will go over $100.

Best bang for the buck is have a reputable shop service a sax which is of good quality and paid for.

I have bought a couple saxes for good prices which were described as freshly overhauled and were photographed nicely, but required a real total overhaul after purchase to even play test. One which required the most service (one tone hole replacement, plus full repad and regulation) was purchased here from someone who ocassionally claims to be a tech (I will not name him here, as he hasn't posted here in a while (no, not him)) and said it was freshly overhauled and in excellent condition (trued a tone hole by filing it flush with the body !!!:x!!!)

In other words, buy with the intention of getting a full overhaul, or you may not find a real bargain - as described by the seller. There are saxes for sale cheaply and in excellent playing condition, but without playing it yourself or having a reputable disinterested 3d party checking it out, it may be false economy with limited funds.

[Amateursaxbassoonman]

Might be decent, but odds are that with that much time remaining, it will go over $100.

Best bang for the buck is have a reputable shop service a sax which is of good quality and paid for.

I have bought a couple saxes for good prices which were described as freshly overhauled and were photographed nicely, but required a real total overhaul after purchase to even play test. One which required the most service (one tone hole replacement, plus full repad and regulation) was purchased here from someone who ocassionally claims to be a tech (I will not name him here, as he hasn't posted here in a while (no, not him)) and said it was freshly overhauled and in excellent condition (trued a tone hole by filing it flush with the body !!!:x!!!)

In other words, buy with the intention of getting a full overhaul, or you may not find a real bargain - as described by the seller. There are saxes for sale cheaply and in excellent playing condition, but without playing it yourself or having a reputable disinterested 3d party checking it out, it may be false economy with limited funds.

Those are good points, thanks Carl.

[RookTenor]

I do know that if Keilworths are the Panzer tanks, Bundys are the Shermans.

GREAT analogy! (God, I love this board...)

I'm ordering a Kessler Tenor soon, but I was fishing around on Ebay and found a Selmer Bundy II Alto for $120. I spend more than that on junk food in a month, so I bought it...I couldn't resist.