Re: Buescher True Tone
Hi Turlin,
I did get your email. The sax looks like it might be a C Melody to me, although it's kinda hard to tell in the pictures. The Buescher C Melody and tenor look a lot alike only the bell is more narrow on a C Melody and comes up a little higher above the G# key. The bell on a tenor is wider and doesn't come up as hi. Is there any letter engraving on the back near the serial number? perhaps a T for tenor, B for Bb or a C?
Many of the pads in the photo look original, and my guess is that the horn will need a repad and some adjusting, and corks; basically an overhaul. It does appear to be in exceptionally good shape however. Have you tried to play it? I'd be surprised if those pads would seal very well given they're over 80 years old, but I bought a 1922 Conn last fall which also had several of the original pads and it did play! I did replace them with the newer style resonator pads though.
The problem with selling anything like this is finding the right buyer who will pay you what it's worth. I would say that even in the condition indicated in the pictures, it's worth $400-$500 if it's a C Melody, or $500-$700 if it's a tenor. We need to determine if it is in fact a tenor or C Melody. A C Melody measures 24" (61 cm) from the bow at the bottom of the bell to the top of the tenon. A tenor measures about 28 1/2". (72.39 cm).
I would suggest listing the sax on ebay. Even though ebay has it's faults, you'll get a lot more exposure through ebay than any other forum I know of. I would pretty it up, take lots of detailed photos, and write out a very detailed description as to what this horn is.
For example, I would say something like "The Buescher True Tone was manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana from 1917-1930. Known for having acceptional intonation, the True Tone was noted as being one of the best saxophones available at that time."
I wouldn't suggest a reserve auction, because ebay charges too much, but I would start the bid at $199.99 if it's a C Melody, or maybe $299.99 if it's a tenor.
Jim
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Yahoo!