[oncdoc]

Would appreciate thoughts on whether there is any difference other than engraving between a Series 1 Aristocrat and Big B tenors?

Thanks.

 

[JL]

You could go here for a start:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showth...ous-comparing-3-different-era-Buescher-tenors

But just in case that thread is confusing, the short answer is yes and no, depending on which Big B. The bottom line is there are at least two different Big B tenors:

1) An early one with smaller bell flare that is almost identical to a series 1, except for minor things like engraving, key guards, and octave mechanism.

2) A later model Big B, with '156' stamped near the serial number, and a larger bell flare (the bell itself is not larger, just the flare), with the bell 'kinked' outward. This later Big B is very similar to the 156 with script engraving that followed it.

Those two horns play rather differently. There are some other subtle changes in the Big B during its run.

 

[oncdoc]

Thanks, JL, for the lucid response. There seems to be a remarkable lack of concrete information about the various manufacturers' instrument output.

 

[Enviroguy]

Yep,

I believe SOTW member, Jicaino, has become the world's leading authority on this. At least he seems that way to me.

From his measurements, it appears that the Series I Art Deco tenors are functionally identicle to the pre-war Big B models. They are just dressed up differently. Jicaino can give you the serial number ranges.

Read this thread and you will get a great picture of where to draw the line:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showth...-all-buescher-aristocrat-pre-156-tenor-owners

 

[davetjazz]

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?153861-FA-Buescher-Aristocrat-Series-I-Stencil-(tenor)!

In case you're interested, I have a Series I Crat stencil for auction.

It plays as is, but of course needs an overhaul. Selling it because I'm an alto guy. Budget for a case as the one it's with is horrible. Absolutely horrible. Monster horn.

Is Joe Lovano playing one of them here?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrV8kW8nTJw 7:00

Tenor.

 

[Enviroguy]

Here's a list of a few things you will find on a Series I Art Deco and pre-War Big B that you will not find all together on other tenors. Stencils and later Big B models (without True Tone triangle on back) will not have all these on the same horn:

Gold-plated Nortan screw-in springs
Snap-on pads
Bell Flare width of approx. 140 mm plus-or-minus 3 mm.
Thin silver "tone ring" on back side of bell rim.
G# Trill Key
Orange Translucent Rollers
Little feet on the lever on the cup above the F Key
Ergo-style high E side key
Braceless neck with lower profile curve and roll at tip in front of cork

 

[maddenma]

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?153861-FA-Buescher-Aristocrat-Series-I-Stencil-(tenor)!

In case you're interested, I have a Series I Crat stencil for auction.

It plays as is, but of course needs an overhaul. Selling it because I'm an alto guy. Budget for a case as the one it's with is horrible. Absolutely horrible. Monster horn.

Is Joe Lovano playing one of them here?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrV8kW8nTJw 7:00

Tenor.

He is indeed, but not a Series 1. It's a late Big B with the 6" bell, likely stamped as a 156. Had to (gladly) sit through the video to catch just the right angle (around 6:30) when someone took a picture and lit up the engraving to be sure.

 

[davetjazz]

coooolll. I played a near mint Big B at a music store. ^^

One word.

Wowza.