Saxophone Forum


by bjperham
(2 posts)
12 years ago

Buescher True-Tone Low Pitch?

I am tyring to get a year and value on this sax.
 Buescher True-Tone Low Pitch SN:161496. I an thinking of selling this one and looking for any help. 

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  1. by JonHuff
    (117 posts)

    12 years ago

    Re: Buescher True-Tone Low Pitch?

    The serial number puts the horn from 1924. Unfortunately most True-Tones aren't worth a whole lot. A ton of them were made so they aren't all that rare, and while some can be pretty decent players, they aren't highly sought after and generally not well thought of (antiquated keywork, risky intonation). If it is in the original finish, and padded up and playing well, it can sell for $500 - $800 depending on condition. If it has been relacquered, or if it needs an overhaul, really not worth restoring unless you plan on playing it, as otherwise you'll never get your money back out of it.

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  2. by Saxquest
    (420 posts)

    12 years ago

    Re: Buescher True-Tone Low Pitch?

    Looks like you have a relacquered c-melody from the photo. It's more of an Apple Bee's wall hanger than anything else. Sadly, the c-melody went out of favor in the 1930's, never to regain any sort of popularity. Back in its day though, it was all the rage.

    Cheers,
         Mark Overton
         www.saxquest.com
         www.saxophone.org

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  3. by GFC
    (842 posts)

    12 years ago

    Re: Buescher True-Tone Low Pitch?

    Have hope!  The c-melody sax was shunned for many years, but there are devotees who are convinced it got a bad rap.  Some are performing and recording with the c-melody saxes.  There's even a website dedicated to the c-melody sax: http://csax.wordpress.com/   


    1920s saxes aren't as refined as modern ones, but that isn't a deal breaker.  And for c-melody heads, what's the alternative?  The Buescher True Tone has a reputation for better intonation than other horns of the same era.  

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    1. by Saxquest
      (420 posts)

      12 years ago

      Re: Buescher True-Tone Low Pitch?

      True True!! Perhaps Apple Bee's wall hanger was not fair. But that has been the fate of many of these. Check out some of the recent recordings from Dave Pietro on c-melody. He sounds absolutely great on c-melody. He plays a Selmer Modele 26, which is rather difficult to find.

      C-melody is actually a wonderful instrument and it does have a small but dedicated fan base. However, the sad truth is that there are way more c-melody saxophones still in circulation from the American 1920's sax-craze than c-melody players today. I see them in estate and garage sales all the time for $25-$50 (all brands Conn, Buescher, Martin, King, Wurlitzer, Selmer NY, Pan American, etc.......). Just know that if you put the money into restoring it (~$600-$800, depending on what it needs and who does it), you'll have a difficult time getting that back out of it if you decide to sell it. In other words, if you're interested in playing it or restoring it for family sentimental reasons, go for it. But if you're looking to sell it, then don't put the money into it and sell it "as is".  Best of Luck!!

      Cheers,
           Mark Overton
           www.saxquest.com

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      1. by Hxcnoel
        (1 post)

        8 years ago

        Re: Buescher True-Tone Low Pitch?

        I picked up one of these, with the serial number 102000, would it also be in the same price range? Thanks

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