[oshawya]

I used to have an old Buescher when I was in high school that I loved to play and then I go out of it and sold it. I am looking to buy a vintage buescher, but can't remember what kind that on was. What is the differences and best out of these types of Bueschers? True tone low pitch, aristocrat (400,200, & 120), and C melody. Any input or help would be appreciated.

 

[Neil Sharpe]

Check the various threads in SOTW's "Buescher" section and also here
http://www.saxpics.com/buescher/index.htm

 

[oshawya]

I am looking for something to play in our church band. What would be the better type to use? Someone told me the C melody but not sure.

 

[Dave dix]

Get an alto or tenor as mpc's are easily obtainable for them.
Dave

 

[oshawya]

I want an alto, but not sure on the brands. As I said before I used to have an old Buescher that I loved to play. It had a great sound, so I ws kinda looking at that brand, but not sure which type to go with. Any input would be great.

 

[Dave Dolson]

A C-mel may prove to be a novelty in your church - especially if you need to read music, don't have Eb or Bb charts, and only want to play the exact melodies.

But I agree with the others - play soprano, alto, or tenor if at all possible - more music available, mouthpieces are usually better (although THAT is really subjective), and future expansion (playing goals, etc.) are improved with a more modern horn. Learn to play them by ear.

There are plenty of good vintage Bueschers out there - TrueTones, Aristocrats and Buescher 400's (Top Hat and Cane models) all before the Selmer buy-out. ALWAYS buy LOW-PITCH (or LP).

If you want something new and inexpensive, look to the Taiwanese house brands - Dave Kessler's Kessler Customs are among the best of these types of horns.

Need more info, use the SEARCH button. DAVE

 

[oshawya]

Thanks, I appreciate the input! I really love the ease and sound of the old Bueschers. I started with a Bundy in Jr. High and then my dad found a Buescher and I fell in love with it. Played it for years and then just didn't have time and lost a little interest so I sold it. Wish I never had. So, now I am on the lookout for another one.

 

[saintsday]

Welcome, oshawya. Please browse through this section of the forum and you will have a pretty good start at knowing enough to ask more specific questions.

Almost any from serial about 200xxx to about 355xxx should be fine horns if they are in good playing condition. There are both earlier and later instruments that play very well, but that range covers most of the most desirable horns.
Intonation will likely be more consistent on serials 268xxx and newer.

Depending on what vintage, finish, condition, and who you are buying it from, expect to pay for altos anything from 300 on up to the 2k-3k range. The low end will buy a True Tone that needs work, the high end will buy just about any Top Hat and Cane engraved 400.

Check out the saxpics website and maybe you can figure out what version you had before.