The Story

This splendid American saxophone came to me from my fixer-upper, which I bought from in 2006. I haven’t played it much, but intend to, especially as its big brother is currently my favourite tenor.

The Instrument

It’s a relatively heavy alto, especially as it lacks a lot of the big keys you’ll find on a more modern instrument such as the Selmer Mark VI. The body is in lacquered brass, while the key work is silver-plated. It has a top F# key, which was missing on the tenor mentioned above.  There’s some lacquer missing, especially at the back below the triangle ‘True Tone’ mark, but otherwise it’s in very good condition and I’ve had several people want to buy it from me over the years.

Bueschers, like Martins were companies founded by ex-employees of Colonel Conn in Elkhart, Indiana. They are sturdy horns – built to last. This one was made 3 years before Gus Buesher died and 5 since he left the company as general manager.

The Player

A strong, round tone, with good intonation across both registers – this is a very professional horn. The keywork has a strong balanced action. The pinky keys, in particular, have an easy facility.

Saxifications

• Make – Buescher
• Model – New Aristocrat
• Serial Number – 267099
• Date of Manufacture – 1934
• Place of Manufacture – Elkhart, Indiana
• Finish – Brass with gold wash, silver keywork
• Weight – 4lb 15oz
• Sound – Rich and mellow
• Ease of Blowing – Full
• Ease of Fingering – Good strong action

More about Gus Buescher and his saxophone manufacturing can be found currently on the Web from Wikipedia.
Do you own a Buescher saxophone? Please let us know if you’d like to see it reviewed here.

Filed under: Buescher New Aristocrat | Tagged: Alto, Buescher, Elkhart, Saximus Maximus, saxophone |