[Jonathan C.]

I have recently been looking for a good Alto that I could use for College as a Main Alto. I am having trouble choosing between two horns. I am not sure which one to choose. I am not sure which one would be more acceptable for use in College Band.
There is a Buescher 140 at $550, and a Buffet S1 transitional at $350. The price is important to me, because I had to work hard to get this money. And this horn will serve me through college. I know this is the third horn question I have had this week, but …….

There is a twist as well.
If I get the Buffet I can try and grab a Vintage Martin Stencil Soprano which needs a total overhaul.

So which one?


~Carbs

 

[J.Max]

Depends. If you are going to a school in which the professor is a French/American player (most likely), buy the Buffet. If it's a Rascher school, (usually in the Northeast), you'll want the Buescher.


I'd (of course) go with the Buffet, that's a TREMENDOUS deal. In fact, if you don't buy it, let me know...

 

[Jonathan C.]

Thanks. J.Max,
I am going to give the Guy until Monday to E-mail me back. If that doesn't happen then I will go with the 140.

 

[CountSpatula]

Didn't take much to make up your mind hehe

 

[Jonathan C.]

No, its not that. I like what I have heard about them. And I love that price. But I can't wait forever for a horn that may never get an answer about. So monday night at 11:00, if I don't have an E-mail I will get the Buescher 140.

Still anxous to hear your opinions though.
~Carbs

 

[Pinnman]

The Bueschers are excellent, the S1 has a very good reputation. I wonder how many have played both.

If J.Max's point is not important to you, then either should be brill ... but depending on condition.

 

[Jonathan C.]

This guy doesn't seem all that interested in selling the horn. Its like pullling teeth. Anyway I will probably get it by monday. I was kinda surpised that no one voted for the 140.

 

[Pinnman]

For myself, I am not in a position to compare; that may well apply to others. However, you are unlikely to go wrong with an Aristocrat.

 

[AmSaxPlayer]

I think either horn is a winner, just that the Buffet is a real steal, whereas the Aristocrat (while still a good value) is priced circa eBay prices. You probably will be happy with either one, but the Buffet most likely can be resold for more money should you ever happen to change your mind (I know, every time I buy a horn I always say "This will be the last horn I need for the rest of my life" too).

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

This guy doesn't seem all that interested in selling the horn. Its like pullling teeth. Anyway I will probably get it by monday. I was kinda surpised that no one voted for the 140.

The main reason why most advocate getting the Buffet is because it is such a phenomenally low price on a super horn. The Buescher is a great vintage horn, but priced more in line with what it's worth.

Just make sure that the horn is in proper mechanical order and condition, and is what it was advertised to be in total before parting with the cash. That is an awfully low price for an S-1 Buffet.

 

[Jonathan C.]

The main reason why most advocate getting the Buffet is because it is such a phenomenally low price on a super horn. The Buescher is a great vintage horn, but priced more in line with what it's worth.

Just make sure that the horn is in proper mechanical order and condition, and is what it was advertised to be in total before parting with the cash. That is an awfully low price for an S-1 Buffet.

Even if it needs an overhaul. If I decide to sell, I can get back what I put in.

 

[JL]

No way I can vote since I haven't ever played a Buffet. And actually I've never played the Buescher 140 alto. I've played lots of other Bueschers though, including a 156 'Crat, the tenor equivalent to the 140. If the alto is anywhere near as nice as the tenor, then it would also be a steal at $500, if it's in decent condition.

 

[Jonathan C.]

I am trying out the horn tomorrow, and I would expect to see a Sig. Change sometime late tomorrow. The only thing stopping me now is that it gets sold before I get to it, or its stolen.
I don't think its stolen, becuase the guys daughter is brining it up. If he trust her with it, I doubt its stolen. Still I am going to check.
~Carbs

 

[madav]

The S1 is a great quality alto, much better than the corresponding tenor.

 

[Jonathan C.]

I was looking at Saxpics today, and it is a Super Dynaction transational. So its got I guess the best of both of them.

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

Carbs,

As I mentioned in my email to you, just make sure it doesn't say Evette anywhere on the horn. That was Buffet's student line, and not even in the same league as their SDA or S-1 horns.

If it turns out to be an Evette (it will be engraved as such if it is), then get the Buescher instead.

 

[Jonathan C.]

Right, where would it say everette. Bell, under the serial number?
Thanks
~Carbs

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

Likely near the Buffet Crampon logo on the bell. Play test it even if it is an Evette. I'm in no way saying you should settle for a less than pro horn, but you might like it anyway (you never know until you try).

I'd definitely want a lower price if it is a student model though. If for no other reason than the fact that it is quite an older horn (1970's), and not built like a pro horn to stand the test of time.

As I said before, no SDA or S-1, I'd look at the Buescher instead if I were you.

 

[Jonathan C.]

If it is a Crampon, I am going to pass. I already have a great student horn no need to replace it with something equal to it.
If this doesn't work out I will go with the Buescher.
~Carbs

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

If it is a Crampon, I am going to pass. I already have a great student horn no need to replace it with something equal to it.
If this doesn't work out I will go with the Buescher.
~Carbs

Well, it's going to be a "Crampon" either way. Buffet/Crampon is the full name of the company. What you don't want it to say is EVETTE anywhere on the horn.