Buescher Saxophone

The Buescher saxophone is named after Gus Buescher who made the first American saxophone in 1888. Buescher was employed by the Conn instrument company at the time, but started his own company in 1895. From 1895 to 1930, the True Tone models of saxophones were made by Buescher Saxophone.

The Buescher name lived on through the '40s although Gus Buescher had retired by then. In the '40s Buescher, the company, applied for patents on their new saxophone design. The alto was called the B-7 and the tenor was called the B-11. Then they came out with the very popular 400 line. While all of the preceding saxophones were good ones, the 400's were some of the best.

The 400 model of Buescher saxophone had some radical new features. One was an underslung octave key on the neck. Another was a one piece mouthpiece that was advertised as leakproof. The most significant innovation, though was the placement of the low B and B-flat keys. These were placed on the back of the bell so that the player's body would not muffle the tones. They also featured a unique engraving of a top hat and cane. The result now is a vintage horn that offers real value.

The Aristocrat models came out in the late '40s and '50s. The Selmer Company bought Buescher and continued to make saxophones into the '60s. While used saxophones are not always easy to get refurbished, a vintage Buescher can be a very good investment. Look for a qualified musical instrument repairman who will be able to work on that old horn and get it into good playing condition.

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