[RCNELSON]

Who can tell me about this horn? It's an OLD, and I do mean OLD Buescher. Not very pretty but doesn't play too badly. Serial number is in the 145xxx range, has "True Tone" and "low pitch" engraved on it under the serial number. Current owner says it's close to 100 years old. If I can get a good deal on it, should I get it? Is this horn better than not having a soprano (my current condition)? And what would be a good deal, beside getting it for free. OR...should I run and hide?

 

[bruce bailey]

Made in the early 1920s. Good sopranos when set up well. The value is determined by the padwork and how the finish looks. Curved are worth more and it could be pitched in C and would be about 22" without the mouthpiece.

 

[Grumps]

Straight or curved? Silver? Need more info to value it. If it's not a straight C soprano, you'll have one fine horn once it's fixed up; even if it's been refinished (and bonus if it hasn't). Many (including me) consider the old True Tone sopranos to be the best of the vintage models... and some (including me) like 'em more than the modern ones to boot.

 

[RCNELSON]

Straight or curved? Silver? Need more info to value it. If it's not a straight C soprano, you'll have one fine horn once it's fixed up; even if it's been refinished (and bonus if it hasn't). Many (including me) consider the old True Tone sopranos to be the best of the vintage models... and some (including me) like 'em more than the modern ones to boot.

A straight B-flat, brass finish. It appears to be the original finish. Does need some adjusting but am starting to enjoy it already.

 

[Grumps]

As far as value goes, you wouldn't find one ready to play with its original silver plate for less than $1,400 from a dealer; and the more pristine examples are pushing $2,000. Refinished (lacquered) examples, even in need of an overhaul, will usually go for at least $700 on Ebay. If your TT is original bare brass and in need of some work, I'd suspect that if it were for sale on Ebay, it would probably pull in at least around $800-$900. Some folks prefer the later models (around 200,XXX with the G# roller), and value those more highly, so keep that in mind to use if you're negotiating.

 

[RCNELSON]

Wow. More than I was expecting, and more than I want to pay. I'll have to see how the negotiations go. It's not an Ebay listing. The current owner and I are playing the 2 clarinet chairs in a community theater production, so the negotiations will be face to face. It will be interesting.

 

[csax]

RC - you don't have to offer that much, let the seller take the lead. Unless he's reading this, or is an ebay addict, it's down to how much you feel it's worth to you (or you can afford).

I'm not saying that you should short-change him, just find a price that (as musicians) you're both happy with.

 

[Little Sax]

Wow. More than I was expecting, and more than I want to pay. I'll have to see how the negotiations go. It's not an Ebay listing. The current owner and I are playing the 2 clarinet chairs in a community theater production, so the negotiations will be face to face. It will be interesting.

I have to politely disagree with Grumps' valuation. Pristine, original, later-model, silver-plated, straight TTs are often commanding retail prices between $1300-$1700 depending on who's selling it. (Obviously there are exceptions.) The earlier TTs (with the button style G# and "less comfortable" palm-keys) command less, sometimes much less.

 

[Grumps]

Since having helped a buddy purchase one a few years ago, I've noticed an increase in value of these horns on both Ebay and with online dealers. Perhaps in part due to some of the good press they get here.

 

[bruce bailey]

For reference, I sold my 1918 curved TT with older OK pads and a nice finish for $1,200 here at SOTW. I doubt you will find a workable TT for less than $600. As far as the C horns, I think they are bringing more than the Bb models. We shouldn't say that it is only Bueschers going up as Conns have really jumped in the past 2 years. Kings and Holtons have always been low but are getting up there as people discover them. I am still keeping my Lyon & Healy.

 

[Little Sax]

Since having helped a buddy purchase one a few years ago, I've noticed an increase in value of these horns on both Ebay and with online dealers. Perhaps in part due to some of the good press they get here.

They are definitely going up in price. I'm really glad I've got mine already because there are plenty of other appreciating horns that I'm chasing down for my collection... (In-between glaring looks from the wife that is.)

 

[RCNELSON]

Thanks for all of the info. Sounds like if I do acqure it, I'll have a good horn (and one that should resell, should I decide to part with it someday). AND...my apologies for not posting this originally the regular SOPRANO subforum.