Hello! I'm happy to hear you talk so enthusiastically about this Buescher Sax. They are simply special horns. My first sax was (by chance) a Selmer Bundy tenor, according to the serial number from 1960. I liked it from the start and wanted to find out more about it. I now play a Buescher Super 400 tenor (approx. 1961). I'm thrilled with the horn every day, it's just great. Thank you for your video!
Buescher is my favorite vintage brand across all the voices. I have a true tone, alto, soprano and bass sax, a big b bari thay was a school horn that I found in a dumpster and with tlc still plays and plan on getting a tenor soon.
Love your approach to the horn. In my experience you are right in that, whatever horn you settle on, it will only sound great after it is stuck in your face for enough time. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive.
Nice work. That horn must have been the find of the century! All original, no damage/marks/wear, obviously sealed in its case 😍. I have a Buescher Super 400 Alto circa 1959/60 (B/Bb tone holes on rear of bell). It plays so well, and yet it looks like hell 🙄. It's had a hard life, but that shows that it has been enjoyed and played during its 63 or so years.
we’re still thinking about it here at hexachord! those super 400’s were great horns. a well loved and played saxophone is always a special companion in music. thank you for sharing!
It's tempting to call Bueschers a "classical" horn. It's part of the reason jazz players steer clear of them. Another reason is lack of name cachet - Buescher shared directors with Conn for years, and Conn got almost all the endorsement deals until Selmer started taking over the pro market. But there really wasn't a classical saxophone teaching/recital tradition in the US till it originated around Cecil Leeson in the 30s. (He played Martins, btw.) We got Sigurd Rascher as an emigré during WW2, and Larry Teal began teaching on Selmers after the war. However, there was a _pre_-classical precedent. Gus Buescher modeled his 1888 Conn on an Adolphe Sax alto whose timbre he liked. And he kept that horn, and modeled his saxes on it when he began his own company. He felt strongly enough about it to appear with it in a short film in 1924. It was a 1928 True-Tone that Rascher chose back in Germany, learning somewhere along the way that the horn and mouthpiece were inspired by Sax. In 1933 he replaced it with a New Aristocrat, which he played till retirement. This is the one sax _least_ associated with jazz (a shame - they're incredible instruments).
Very nice playing, and great info. I actually have a 156, with the script engraving. Bought it from a friend who's father cherished the horn before his passing. My friend virtually gave it to me for $90. I let him know the value of the horn, which did need a complete rebuild and demolding. He just wanted to make sure that it went to someone who would use it. What I missed was the value of the Dukoff Fluted chamber that was included with the horn. Boy, was I surprised when I looked into that! The horn has been in the shop, and I'm patiently waiting to get my hands on it. My first tenor was actually an Aristocrat stencil, that I gave to a student once I got my SA80. I love my Selmer, and have felt very much at home with it for nearly 20 years, but part of me always longed to get an old Buescher fixed up. IMO, of all of the American Manufacturers, Buescher was the closest true competition to Selmer in regards of overall feel of the mechanism.
Nice sound and beautiful horn. I ran across a similar big B alto in mint, unused condition and bought it a couple of years ago. True closet horn. even the case smells new. Plays well, but I like my King silversonic better, so I'll be trying to sell it. If you, or anyone you know would be interested, let me know.
What an amazing find in stunning condition. Curious to know what you paid for it. I'm sure it was waiting for you, I had a similar experience with a perfecta mouthpiece and I had the feeling it was waiting for me
word from jake is that it was still less than half of a full priced Selmer Mark VI (or similar) instrument! we agree. when it’s the right one, it definitely feels like it finds you…! thanks for sharing!
Really enjoyed your review and your playing. A widow friend showed me the horn that her hubby had owned for many years, a Buescher Big B alto. It's in beautiful condition, probably needing some pads. I want to buy it but because she is a friend, I want to give her a fair price. Is $1,000 in the ballpark?
that’s a very dear question. yes, it’s a fair price. depending on a few factors, it could be worth more; anywhere in between 1000 - 2200 is a typical market price in good/great condition. thank you for asking! we hope the Buescher is a great fit.
Glad I found you. I started playing my Buescher T & C in 1955 at the age 12. Back then is cost $575. Sold it in 2005 for the amount of $2500. Sound like a good deal or not?
an incredible horn! what’s always important is that it finds the right home. we are sure it was the right price at the time, as that is a fair deal today (17 years later 👍)
I was spoiled in high school when I got to play a Couf bari and tenor. Made anyone who played them sound like they were highly experienced professionals. Easiest horn too make sound good. Almost played themselves.
@@hexachord Ok, so no facing number on your one, it could measure .085-.095 I suppose, whatever it sounds great. I have a Fluted Chamber 4 that was opened to .104, it's great fun to play, with a retro voice like a slant, only brighter and with more punch. That's a great sounding setup you have:)
I have a Buescher Big B tenor as well as a Selmer Series III. Both are great horns. I find the Buescher has a better sound; however, the Selmer feels better.
Very nice review and lovely playing! I agree with you about those old Buescher, I also think they are the best Tenors ever made. I am currently playing a 1936 Aristocrat Tenor Art Deco and I love it to bits, it is something special, in between a Conn and a Selmer, more focus than a Conn but also plenty of body and warmth, more than Selmers to my hears. The ergonomic although not as good as Selmer is much better than any Conn and the intonation is also better than Conn and many Selmer from that era I have played. I have tried it side by side with a Selmer Radio Improved and the differences were negligible, but the price of the Buescher was 65% less than the Radio Improved... Everyone seem to want SBAs, Mark VIs and 10Ms but these are killers and still affordable, good for us until it last :-)
I have owned 3 SBA tenors, 6 VI’s, Reference 54, Series III, King Super 20 full pearls, 2 Yamaha 875ex’s, and my best sounding tenor for tone I’ve been able to find is my 1936 Series I Buescher Aristocrat. It’s the most underrated horn there is. Nothing sounds as good and I will fight anyone on that. I’ve owned all the others and I’m not saying it just because I own it.
Thanks for the info about the Buescher horns, it makes me appreciate my 1949 Big B tenor a lot more!
I agree on the Buesher! I have a big B bari! My tenor is an SML Rev D.
Hello!
I'm happy to hear you talk so enthusiastically about this Buescher Sax. They are simply special horns. My first sax was (by chance) a Selmer Bundy tenor, according to the serial number from 1960. I liked it from the start and wanted to find out more about it. I now play a Buescher Super 400 tenor (approx. 1961). I'm thrilled with the horn every day, it's just great.
Thank you for your video!
Buescher is my favorite vintage brand across all the voices. I have a true tone, alto, soprano and bass sax, a big b bari thay was a school horn that I found in a dumpster and with tlc still plays and plan on getting a tenor soon.
that's lovely! thanks for sharing. glad to hear it!
I have a Buescher true-tone Alto. 1928. Special horns!!
Yours sounds amazing. You're a great player.
thank you for sharing!
Thats a Deep luxurious sound . Beautiful Horn
Love your approach to the horn. In my experience you are right in that, whatever horn you settle on, it will only sound great after it is stuck in your face for enough time. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive.
Nice work. That horn must have been the find of the century! All original, no damage/marks/wear, obviously sealed in its case 😍.
I have a Buescher Super 400 Alto circa 1959/60 (B/Bb tone holes on rear of bell). It plays so well, and yet it looks like hell 🙄. It's had a hard life, but that shows that it has been enjoyed and played during its 63 or so years.
we’re still thinking about it here at hexachord!
those super 400’s were great horns. a well loved and played saxophone is always a special companion in music. thank you for sharing!
Exquisite sound on a great horn! Congrats.
Gorgeous horn, what a beauty
Yeah that's a total find. Nice work.
It's tempting to call Bueschers a "classical" horn. It's part of the reason jazz players steer clear of them. Another reason is lack of name cachet - Buescher shared directors with Conn for years, and Conn got almost all the endorsement deals until Selmer started taking over the pro market.
But there really wasn't a classical saxophone teaching/recital tradition in the US till it originated around Cecil Leeson in the 30s. (He played Martins, btw.) We got Sigurd Rascher as an emigré during WW2, and Larry Teal began teaching on Selmers after the war.
However, there was a _pre_-classical precedent. Gus Buescher modeled his 1888 Conn on an Adolphe Sax alto whose timbre he liked. And he kept that horn, and modeled his saxes on it when he began his own company. He felt strongly enough about it to appear with it in a short film in 1924.
It was a 1928 True-Tone that Rascher chose back in Germany, learning somewhere along the way that the horn and mouthpiece were inspired by Sax. In 1933 he replaced it with a New Aristocrat, which he played till retirement. This is the one sax _least_ associated with jazz (a shame - they're incredible instruments).
Very nice playing, and great info. I actually have a 156, with the script engraving. Bought it from a friend who's father cherished the horn before his passing. My friend virtually gave it to me for $90. I let him know the value of the horn, which did need a complete rebuild and demolding. He just wanted to make sure that it went to someone who would use it. What I missed was the value of the Dukoff Fluted chamber that was included with the horn. Boy, was I surprised when I looked into that! The horn has been in the shop, and I'm patiently waiting to get my hands on it. My first tenor was actually an Aristocrat stencil, that I gave to a student once I got my SA80. I love my Selmer, and have felt very much at home with it for nearly 20 years, but part of me always longed to get an old Buescher fixed up. IMO, of all of the American Manufacturers, Buescher was the closest true competition to Selmer in regards of overall feel of the mechanism.
wow, what an incredible story! thank you for sharing! yes, this buescher/dukoff combo is a happy one… :)
Gorgeous sound! Love it!
thank you! more content on the way… stay tuned!
Wouhaou, beautiful sax ! 🤩🥰
If you know where to find such a horn like that, never played, never owned, just let me know 😃🙏
Insane that you got one in such mint condition! The Big B is my first professional horn too and I love it!
enjoy every day with it! it's stories live on with you now :)
BEAUTIFUL SAX N PLAYING.TQ
Great video an amazing beautiful sound. Congratulations
thank you very much!
That’s a wild horn 💎
we agree 😍
Nice sound and beautiful horn. I ran across a similar big B alto in mint, unused condition and bought it a couple of years ago. True closet horn. even the case smells new. Plays well, but I like my King silversonic better, so I'll be trying to sell it. If you, or anyone you know would be interested, let me know.
incredible! it’s always great to hear of others having their own exciting finds :) thanks for sharing!
incredible! it’s always great to hear of others having their own exciting finds :) thanks for sharing!
this horn is beautiful
we couldn’t agree more :)
Sounding great Jake!
dude!! thank you!!! so good to hear from you :)
Parmi les 2 ou 3 meilleurs saxophones jamais fabriqués.
Please tell the story of finding and buying it.
that can definitely be discussed in a further video!
@@hexachord You really should! Love your enthusiasm, it's an epic horn.
What an amazing find in stunning condition. Curious to know what you paid for it. I'm sure it was waiting for you, I had a similar experience with a perfecta mouthpiece and I had the feeling it was waiting for me
word from jake is that it was still less than half of a full priced Selmer Mark VI (or similar) instrument!
we agree. when it’s the right one, it definitely feels like it finds you…! thanks for sharing!
Really enjoyed your review and your playing. A widow friend showed me the horn that her hubby had owned for many years, a Buescher Big B alto. It's in beautiful condition, probably needing some pads. I want to buy it but because she is a friend, I want to give her a fair price. Is $1,000 in the ballpark?
that’s a very dear question.
yes, it’s a fair price. depending on a few factors, it could be worth more; anywhere in between 1000 - 2200 is a typical market price in good/great condition.
thank you for asking! we hope the Buescher is a great fit.
Glad I found you. I started playing my Buescher T & C in 1955 at the age 12. Back then is cost $575. Sold it in 2005 for the amount of $2500. Sound like a good deal or not?
an incredible horn! what’s always important is that it finds the right home. we are sure it was the right price at the time, as that is a fair deal today (17 years later 👍)
I was spoiled in high school when I got to play a Couf bari and tenor. Made anyone who played them sound like they were highly experienced professionals. Easiest horn too make sound good. Almost played themselves.
great horns tend to do that!! thanks for sharing!
Very nice, what is the tip opening of your Dukoff fluted chamber?
the mouthpiece in the video is a “BD” facing, original!
@@hexachord Ok, so no facing number on your one, it could measure .085-.095 I suppose, whatever it sounds great. I have a Fluted Chamber 4 that was opened to .104, it's great fun to play, with a retro voice like a slant, only brighter and with more punch. That's a great sounding setup you have:)
@@leanmchungry4735 yes, the BD facing was in that range, Bobby Dukoff made his own personal size available for sale for a period. great mouthpieces!
I have a Buescher Big B tenor as well as a Selmer Series III. Both are great horns. I find the Buescher has a better sound; however, the Selmer feels better.
to every horn, a player! thanks for watching and sharing!
You have great sound. Much better than most of todays tenor players. Beautiful example. What a treat!
thanks for watching! we will pass on the compliments, sure it will make him smile. stay tuned for more!
I think you`r wrong..... the best Saxophone ever made is Naked Lady Conn 10M dude... before 1948... but yours is nice.
in that case… stay tuned for the next video! we think you may really like it. 😉
Very nice review and lovely playing! I agree with you about those old Buescher, I also think they are the best Tenors ever made. I am currently playing a 1936 Aristocrat Tenor Art Deco and I love it to bits, it is something special, in between a Conn and a Selmer, more focus than a Conn but also plenty of body and warmth, more than Selmers to my hears. The ergonomic although not as good as Selmer is much better than any Conn and the intonation is also better than Conn and many Selmer from that era I have played. I have tried it side by side with a Selmer Radio Improved and the differences were negligible, but the price of the Buescher was 65% less than the Radio Improved... Everyone seem to want SBAs, Mark VIs and 10Ms but these are killers and still affordable, good for us until it last :-)
i am so glad you enjoyed hearing about this particular instrument! keep going in your pursuit! thanks for commenting, and thanks for watching!
I have owned 3 SBA tenors, 6 VI’s, Reference 54, Series III, King Super 20 full pearls, 2 Yamaha 875ex’s, and my best sounding tenor for tone I’ve been able to find is my 1936 Series I Buescher Aristocrat. It’s the most underrated horn there is. Nothing sounds as good and I will fight anyone on that. I’ve owned all the others and I’m not saying it just because I own it.
The tone is beautiful, but I suspect it's 90% player and 10% horn.....
we're sure this will bring a smile to jake. thanks for watching!
Hello is this sax for sale?
hello!
no, this saxophone is not currently for sale... it is part of jake's personal collection.
thanks for watching!
Sonny rollins played a beuscher b4 the selmer
he sure did! and if can be felt in his solo transcriptions, too!
Hi man ! I have aristocrat too. And its best sound for sure :) and sax is not havy at all. Hope to listen again your music !
thank you for watching! new video features the aristocrat again… music is just a click away!