[dohertyjazz]

Hey everyone. I've been doing some research on true tone altos and, from what i can tell, people are selling these for a rather wide price range. I've seen anywhere from $150 to $1200+.

I've been trying to figure out why such a wide range. Is is simply related to the condition of the horn?

From what I understand there are several series of true tone - I, II, III and IV - are the later series better or more sought after.

I've searched through the forums but I haven't quite found an answer that has satisfied me yet.

anything info on this would be much appreciated.

ben

 

[JL]

I would think the biggest price difference would be based on the playing condition of the horn, and to some extent on the cosmetic condition (silver-plated vs bare brass vs relac). Also as you say, the later models are more valued.

That price range, $150 to $1200 is about right when you consider the price of a complete overhaul will be several hundred dollars, at least. IMO, a late model TT in perfect playing condition, is easily worth $1000-1200. However, they are undervalued and you can probably find a very good one for $700 or $800.

 

[Grumps]

You want the altos after about 199,XXX when the front F and roller G# were added. They're still rather common to find on Ebay with their original silver plate and often times, the original snap in resonators. An Ebay fixer-upper version of such a model might go for around $350; $500 is about the ceiling if it appears playable.

 

[bruce bailey]

I sent you an e-mail with details.

 

[dohertyjazz]

Thanks for all the info guys, it has been very helpful.

 

[JL]

An Ebay fixer-upper version of such a model might go for around $350; $500 is about the ceiling if it appears playable.

This sounds about right for Ebay......and these are good prices for the later TT altos, even on Ebay. However, it is difficult to judge how "playable" a horn is from a photo. On Ebay, once you buy it, you own it.

If you want to get one in perfect playing condition with a trial period, you can go with one of the reputable vintage dealers. In that case you'll pay more, but you'll end up with a horn in top condition and won't have to sink extra money into it.

 

[Grumps]

Yeah, unless it's from a known Ebay dealer, I always assume an Ebay horn will need an overhaul despite what the seller states. But if they can make a case for playability, with photos and/or description, the bids will go higher; even if it's the usual exaggeration.

 

[Hornlip]

What everybody else here has said--it's all in the condition of the horn.

As for relative cheapness, even though "The Buescher" True Tone horns haven't been made since about 1930, the market may as well be glutted with them. There isn't a time when at least one or two aren't up for auction on eBay. Pretty much the same for Conn New Wonder altos, though the run a little higher in price.

I've got two near perfect condition late serial number TT altos & I probably didn't spend $450 between them.

 

[Pinnman]

My advice would be to spend no more than $500 on something that looks reasonable - i.e. no significant dents (check the neck carefully). Then be prepared to have it overhauled, This will work out cheaper than going to the specialists - not all of them are too special.

Any serial number after 190K will be more than adequate, although my alto is 138K and a good sax.

 

[saintsday]

If you are trying to figure out the differences, look here http://www.saxpics.com/buescher/truetone/index.htm if you haven't already. They are beautiful horns.

 

[JL]

My advice would be to spend no more than $500 on something that looks reasonable - i.e. no significant dents (check the neck carefully). Then be prepared to have it overhauled, This will work out cheaper than going to the specialists - not all of them are too special..

Maybe. An overhaul will cost a lot of money, and you need a tech who knows how to deal with these horns. So IF you find the right tech, and IF you get the horn for a very low price, and IF after the overhaul, and IF, after all that, you really like the horn, then you might end up with a great horn while saving $100 or so over a horn you could buy from a reputable dealer without having to deal with all those "ifs."

I actually like having the option of sending the horn back if it doesn't suit me. This, along with the assurance of a horn in good playing condition, is worth paying a few extra dollars in the long run. But for anyone who really knows what they are doing, and knows the horns, and consequently won't need to ask for advice on this forum, ebay is probably a great resource.

Regarding the original question, that price range is not so wide as it appears. You'll find a similar range for almost any brand of saxophone. The price will vary widely for any brand, depending on playing condition and cosmetics. This is especially true for all the great vintage models, including Conn, Buescher, Martin, King, and Selmer, among others.

 

[bruce bailey]

I buy about 2 horns a month on ebay and it IS hard to tell good ones from bad ones. I always allow for about $300 worth of work on a Saxophone when bidding. Sometimes I get lucky and get a horn needing nearly nothing and other times it is a real dog. I resell the bad ones on ebay and keep the goodies. I recently got a TT tenor with all new pads BUT even though they looked great in the auction, about half needed reseating resulting in needing recorking etc. If you are not prepared to fix it yourself, have a good tech or are just stockpiling oldies, it is still best to buy from someone who will allow a return. When I sell something here at SOTW, the price is a bit higher than on ebay BUT the horn is ready to play and if the buyer disagrees, it can come back. I think most sellers here give the truth about the items for sale but ebay is just a place a seller can rid himself of something never to see it again. Even if it says "returns accepted", you may be stuck with a restocking fee, high shipping both ways and trouble with the money. Places such as Junkdude, WW Sax and others are a good starting point.

 

[Dweekie]

I picked up a TT that looked prettty bad in pictures just because the bidding was so low. When I got it, it was heavily tarnished and looked awful. A bit of silver polish later, it looked fantastic. There was no dent or mechanical damage anywhere, and the plating looked 99% or so. The only wear seemed to be on the bow of the horn where the bracing might have sat on a chair. The only fault I could find were the palm keys; the snap-ons were take out Not bad though for $150. These are great bargain horns.

 

[emcgowen]

I agree with these being undervalued horns. I'm sort of a Conn junkie, but I picked up a Buescher Truetone C-mel at an auction this weekend for $110. 82xxx. Original everything including mpc, no dents, dings, or scratches, and the heavy tarnish is coming right off the silver. This horn has original pads, and they all still seal well enough to play. Intonation is a lot better than either of the Conn's I've owned. I'm going to have to pay closer attention to these from now on...

 

[JL]

I agree with these being undervalued horns. I'm sort of a Conn junkie, but I picked up a Buescher Truetone C-mel at an auction this weekend for $110. 82xxx. Original everything including mpc, no dents, dings, or scratches, and the heavy tarnish is coming right off the silver. This horn has original pads, and they all still seal well enough to play. Intonation is a lot better than either of the Conn's I've owned. I'm going to have to pay closer attention to these from now on...

Try an Aristocrat tenor.