[Elliot G.]

Sorry I'm very new to this website, so I have no clue if I'm posting in the right thread. I just wanted some opinions on a Selmer Bundy I found at a local store, and if Selmer bundys are good saxophones. The price was 995$ but the person at the store said they've had it for awhile, and that they'd probably lower the price if I bargained with them. It probably needs a few adjustments and maybe pads, I'm just wondering if its worth it. Thanks to whoever checks this out!

Serial #:577966

 

[Reet McVouty]

Do you play the saxophone? You need to try before you buy. This is a Bundy from the mid-late 70's. Student model horn. In good condition worth $400 tops.

 

[datsaxman]

Indeed. This is not a great tenor.
Decent if it is in perfect condition, but
Nothing special.

$995 is too much in perfect shape.

 

[reeddoubler]

Way too much for this horn!

 

[Elliot G.]

I do play saxophone. I’ve been playing for little over a year on a Jean Paul TS400 but I’m looking around for a better and more sturdy horn (Especially with problems on my tenor coming up almost every 3 months.) I’ve been looking into vintage older horns (ones that don’t break the wallet lol!), but would you have any recommendations for a horn? Vintage or not? I would really like to get an older horn but if they’re not the best I’m always open to checking out other horns. Thanks a lot!

 

[Elliot G.]

Indeed. This is not a great tenor.
Decent if it is in perfect condition, but
Nothing special.

$995 is too much in perfect shape.

Do you think it would even be worth it or should I just look into another horn? And if so would you have any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[jthole]

For a "Buescher on a budget", I would rather look for an early 1960s Aristocrat. Alternatively, a Bundy 1.

 

[Hassles]

wasn't there early Bundy's (same as Buescher's of the time) and Bundy's that followed?

 

[Sigmund451]

Run, dont walk to the nearest exit.
I remember whenyou could not give this model away.
There are even a lot of other bundys worth more than this one.
On top of that they are butt ugly

 

[vbluesman]

It has the gold sparkle lacquer... I like that! (Get a used Yamaha YTS-23, you'll always be able to sell it for what you paid for it when it's time to upgrade or whatever.)

 

[vbluesman]

wasn't there early Bundy's (same as Buescher's of the time) and Bundy's that followed?

There was a number of years when Selmer USA marketed alike Buescher and Bundy wind instruments. Selmer USA wanted to get into the student beginning band instrument business and Selmer Paris only manufactured world class professional instruments.

 

[turf3]

Drop that first nine and offer them $95, because that's about what it's worth.

 

[lydian]

On the plus side, while it's definitely a low quality student horn, Bundy does have a very nice, rich tone and would be a good beginner horn if you run across one for a couple hundred bucks. That seller must be on crack to think he can get a grand for it. If you search completed listings on ebay, you'll see most go for $200-$300.

Personally I think that metallic spray paint looking finish makes the horn look even cheaper than it is. I'd at least go for a lacquered one if you have your heart set on a Bundy for nostalgic reasons.

 

[turf3]

Run, dont walk to the nearest exit.
I remember whenyou could not give this model away.
There are even a lot of other bundys worth more than this one.
On top of that they are butt ugly

I bet it's got those godawful pivoting pads that leak when they're brand new, too.

 

[Dr G]

I do play saxophone. I've been playing for little over a year on a Jean Paul TS400 but I'm looking around for a better and more sturdy horn (Especially with problems on my tenor coming up almost every 3 months.) I've been looking into vintage older horns (ones that don't break the wallet lol!), but would you have any recommendations for a horn? Vintage or not? I would really like to get an older horn but if they're not the best I'm always open to checking out other horns. Thanks a lot!

A number of us here love vintage horns. This one is just old.

Hang 'round for a while, and you'll learn about the better vintage horns.

What kind of problems are you having with the JP? Maybe we can help with that.

Welcome.

 

[JayeLID]

I do play saxophone. I've been playing for little over a year on a Jean Paul TS400 but I'm looking around for a better and more sturdy horn (Especially with problems on my tenor coming up almost every 3 months.) I've been looking into vintage older horns (ones that don't break the wallet lol!), but would you have any recommendations for a horn? Vintage or not? I would really like to get an older horn but if they're not the best I'm always open to checking out other horns. Thanks a lot!

If you would like to contact me via messaging, or via my website below, I may be of help as I refrub and resell horns.

Not trying to be a shark here, it is just that (as others have already commented) your thread brings up 2 things:

1) how capricious used sax prices can be... and

2) how risky it can be to buy one if you either are not advanced enough to give it a good playtest or the buyer is not describing the true condition of the horn (whether purposefully or simply out of ignorance).

So....again, I did not chime in to make a sale, so...my quick 2 cents re your questions....

1) a Bundy 1 isn't a BAD sax at all...matter o' fact....I had a run here in the Summer where 4 folks approached me specifically wanting one of these...even though I offered a wide array of Tenors in their price range. And, I will add, when I finished refurbing the first one, I was reminded why - for the price, you get a lotta vintage Tenor, you really do. But the players were after specific attributes....and were perfectly OK/familiar with navigating the keywork in order to get the balls-out vintage tone and free-blowing response.

....but in GOOD, serviced, guaranteed playing shape (of a lacquer finish one) they are only around $425-475 or so.
So the price on this one (which I can almost guarantee will NOT be in good playing shape) is absurd, particularly for the enamel finish. It is perhaps worth $200 at the moment.

2) You are coming from a relatively cheapie modern sax, so moving to a Bundy 1 may cause some problems ergonomically...because the Bundy is not the shining example of responsive keywork, so for sure your current horn will feel 'quicker'.

3) There are a LOT of potential used models (both contemporary and vintage) which would fit the bill of a 'step up' from your current horn. A LOT.
Subsequent replies may start suggesting there is only ONE obvious choice...the Yamaha 23. But in fact, there is never just one obvious choice.....so many makers have made so many good, reliable models over the years - I can, off the top of my head think of 8 other models in the same price raange which would be just as appropriate... if not more so.

4) Depends what you wanna spend. If you have $550 to spend you have some really good choices. If you have $1000 to spend you have a wider array of choices.

5) It's helpful you be able to playtest before you buy...OR have the seller guarantee the horn to be in good playing shape if you buy remotely....or they will take a return and issue a full refund.
Fact of matter is...the overwhelming majority of used saxes available...are NOT actually in good, solid, reliable playing shape (even though some sellers may describe them as such).

 

[Fader]

I suspect JayeLID knows what he's doing. I haven't actually done any business with him, but I know he's knowledgeable and in this case - 100% correct about the Bundy in question.

 

[Elliot G.]

Way too much for this horn!

Way too much for this horn!

Do you think it would be worth it if I could lower the price or should I look

A number of us here love vintage horns. This one is just old.

Hang 'round for a while, and you'll learn about the better vintage horns.

What kind of problems are you having with the JP? Maybe we can help with that.

Welcome.

My JP has had an array of problems. Octave key pad fell out, corks are cheaply put on, I've had to do a lot of on the spot fixing for it (since I live in a small town and would have to go at least four hours away to find a good repair shop). Besides those problem, I like the horn I just feel like it's not the horn for me. I played a crappy buffet crampon before I got my JP and the notes came out easier and just felt smoother. I would've stayed on the buffet if the school (which I was renting it from.) would've taken better care of if. So that's why I'm looking into maybe a vintage horn because I really loved that buffet.

 

[Sigmund451]

I think enough has been said about this horn. I will simply add ro repeat that if you are willing to spend a grand or maybe a tad more you can get a really nice horn. It takes a little patience but especially in these economic times...research and buy smart.

 

[lydian]

Do you think it would be worth it if I could lower the price or should I look

My JP has had an array of problems. Octave key pad fell out, corks are cheaply put on, I've had to do a lot of on the spot fixing for it (since I live in a small town and would have to go at least four hours away to find a good repair shop). Besides those problem, I like the horn I just feel like it's not the horn for me. I played a crappy buffet crampon before I got my JP and the notes came out easier and just felt smoother. I would've stayed on the buffet if the school (which I was renting it from.) would've taken better care of if. So that's why I'm looking into maybe a vintage horn because I really loved that buffet.

The JP looks like a far better horn than Bundy. I've had pads fall out of the best horns ever made. I just put them back with contact cement, being careful to seat properly. Personally, I'd put a few bucks into getting the JP into good playing shape than take a chance on a cheap vintage horn which is likely to have even bigger problems.

If you like a vintage sound, then work on your sound and/or get a different mouthpiece.

In Jay Metcalfe's review, he gets a great "vintage" sound.