Buescher is a legendary name in the world of vintage saxophones. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the history of the brand along with some of its most iconic instruments which continue to be a popular choice amongst jazz players and collectors.
If the capital of tech and innovation is Silicon Valley, the capital of American band instruments was definitely Elkhart, Indiana, home of instrument makers such as Buescher, Conn, and Martin.
In this article, we will explore the history of Buescher and its legendary saxophones.
The History of Buescher Saxophones
Buescher was founded by Ferdinand August “Gus” Buescher in 1893. Working at the Conn band instrument factory from 1876 until 1894 he built Conn’s first saxophone which was based on an early Adolph Sax model.
Eventually, in 1894 he quit the Conn factory and set up his own company called “Buescher Manufacturing Company” in Elkhart, Indiana. They became Conn’s main competitor with their trademark named band instruments “True Tone.”
Following a fire accident in 1903, the company was renamed “Buescher Band Instrument Company” highlighting their main focus.
In 1916 Mr Buescher sold the majority of his shares to six businessmen. One of these investors was Andrew Hubble Beardsley who later established Elkhart Band Instrument with Conn’s president Carl Dimond Greenleaf who served as secretary-treasurer in the new company.
Beardsley became president of the company in 1919, and Buescher remained vice-president and general manager until 1929 when he resigned from these positions and stayed at the company as a consultant engineer.
In 1926 Buescher Band Company was merged with Beardsley’s other company Elkhart Band Instrument Company (it is unsure which company bought the other).
Beardsley died in 1936 and the company dissolved, however, Buescher kept using the Elkhart brand for its line of student instruments until 1959.
The Buescher company kept producing high-end professional saxophones such as the “True Tone”, “New Aristocrat”, “Buescher Aristocrat” and the “400” until 1963 when the company was bought by “H&A Selmer Company” (known as Conn-Selmer from 2003).
After the purchase, H&A Selmer used the Buescher factory, equipment, and personnel for their student line model called “Bundy”.
The Buescher brand was retired by H&A Selmer in 1983 but it has left behind a prestigious legacy that few other brands can match.
Six Iconic Buescher Saxophones
True Tone – Buescher Manufacturing Company (1894-1904) / Buescher Band Instrument Company (1904-1933)
Serial numbers: 1 – 2499 / 2500 – 265522
The Buescher True Tone series were the first saxophones made by Gus Buescher, with the pre-1904 models being very close in design to the original Adolph Sax instrument.
All of the Buescher True Tone models had soldered tone holes, split bell keys and the early models had a double octave mechanism.
Because of the fire in 1903, there isn’t much information available on the early models, but we know that from 1904 onwards the company was making all types of True Tone models, continually improving them and experimenting with some quite unusual variations such as the C-Soprano and the straight alto and tenor saxophone.
Buescher also made a tipped-bell and curved soprano saxophone as well. He introduced snap-in pads in the early 1920s, while the front F key and 4-part left-hand rollers were standard by 1926.
As for the finish, there were lacquered silver and gold-plated instruments with various engraving and the “True Tone” logo stamped on the rear of the body. It’s also important to take note of specific Buescher saxophone serial numbers.
New Buescher Aristocrat (1932-1935)
Serial numbers: 264025 – 268999
Following the success of the True Tone models and the increased popularity of its saxophones, Buescher started to make their New Aristocrat series. This series only included an alto sax and tenor sax model.
These new models introduced metal sound resonators and “screw-in gold plated Norton springs” while keeping the split bell keys found on the True Tone.
These horns are rare to find but are very free blowing with the correct setup and it’s certainly an experience playing this iconic vintage saxophone.
Aristocrat Series I – ‘Art Deco’ (1935-1941)
Serial numbers: 269000 – 295124
The follow-up model after the New Aristocrat was the Aristocrat – Series I, also known as ‘Art Deco’ because of the art deco design engraving on the bell horn.
On these horns, they moved the bell keys to the left side of the instrument. Another new feature was the ‘Buescher’ name stamped on the enlarged G# key. You’ll also find yellow or brown rollers instead of black ones.
Because of the great success and popularity of the New Aristocrat model, Buescher introduced a soprano saxophone and C-melody version of the Series I.
The ‘Art Deco’ series was a great success and became a popular choice amongst jazz musicians of the era. Charlie Parker, a young Sonny Rollins and Sigurd Rascher were all known to have played a Series I during their careers.
Aristocrat Series II – ‘Big B’ (1940-1951)
Serial numbers: 292000 – 336999
The ‘Big B’ is considered by many as the best instrument in the Aristocrat Series. These horns have a ‘fatter’ sound and better intonation than the Series I.
There’s not too much difference in the look with its tan/brown or yellow rollers, bell keys on the left and ‘Buescher’ written on the large G# key.
A small difference can be seen on the octave key. It’s not a round pearl key as on the previous models but a longer shaped key, similar to the ones you’ll find on modern instruments.
Series II included a baritone saxophone but there was no soprano version.
400 Top Hat & Cane / Super 400 (1941-1963)
Serial numbers: 296000 – 360000
Experts say these are the best vintage Buescher saxes ever made.
One of the main characteristics of this vintage horn is the extra-large bell. The bell keys were moved to the right rear of the bell tube and the octave key mechanism goes under the neck (similar to today’s Yanagisawa saxophones).
Production of the 400 lasted for just over 20 years, and throughout this period there were several changes.
The first models – B7 (alto saxophone) and B11 (tenor saxophone) – had a silver bell flare ring and the keys had the same finish as the body of the instruments.
In 1958 Buescher made some changes to the S1 (alto sax) and S20 (tenor sax) versions of the 400. On these instruments, the bell flare ring and keys are nickel-plated and came in the lacquered finish only. The engraving varied as well; some instruments have ‘Buescher 400’ and the top & cane logo engraved, some had only “Buescher Super 400”.
The last version of the 400 series was the S5 (alto sax), and S25 (tenor sax)(1960 – 1963). On these models there is no bell flare ring, the keys were moved back to the left side of the bell, keys are nickel-plated and came in lacquer finish only.
Johnny Hodges from the Duke Ellington Orchestra played on this Buescher alto saxophone throughout his career.
Aristocrat Series III – ‘Post-Big B’ (1951-1963)
This line of Buescher saxophones is very similar to the Series II. The only major difference is that there is no ‘Big B’ engraving on the bell. It still has snap-in pads, Norton rollers and the Buescher engraving on the G# key.
After a change in ownership in 1963, H&A Selmer continued to produce and market the Aristocrat saxophones until 1983, but these were essentially the same as the Selmer Bundy student saxophones.
By the 1980s Yamaha offered better quality and more up to date student and intermediate models, which lead H&A Selmer to stop producing Buescher saxophones, and retired the brand.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for a top vintage saxophone steeped in history, a Buescher could be for you.
If you feel more drawn to a classic Selmer, check out our guide to the iconic saxophone brand, or if a modern instrument is more up your street, be sure to take a look at our round up of the best beginner saxophones today.
I am an old fart of 73. Did not play any wood winds until 13 years ago. I have since collected a lot of saxes from baris to sopranos. I mostly play and collected tenors, but I just tripped over a big B auto and am in love with it. bought it for my Birthday.
I play a big B wich is dated 1946. So happy with it and its sound.
I’d like to get some pictures of the Elkart company, or any documents, just to try to give a history behind this instrument. Any resources available for my research?
Do Elkart city hall will have pictures of the Buescher company back in that years?
I own an elkhart 30.ª serial 74xxx and I know many people say it’s not a real buescher.Never played a “real one”but will say the elk is a fine sax.It is important to point out that no matter what horn one has it’s the player who developed the + mpc+ reed.Developing a sound to your looking is something which needs a lot of practise+ knowing the sound you want.Seems to me many would be saxophonists think buying a Selmer MK6 or a Top Hat and came guarantee a great sound, not so……..you’ve hoy to dedícate time and love.you can be a wizards on the horn,bit of the sound is not up to the same level……forget it!!
I have a BU-5, serial number 0075430; can someone provide me with some information about it?
Hi Matt – Did Roland Kirk play a Buescher straight tenor which he called a Strich? and when was this instrument made? –
Hi
what can you say about that saxophone
buescher sax low pitch 151850.
I come from Denmark
with best regards
I have a Buescher Aristocrat, Model #295789 with notation of Low Pitch below the model #. The pearl keys are intact. There is not a mouth piece with it. Can anyone suggest where it could be refurbished? Or would it be best to just leave it as is and consider it a museum piece .
Hello, I’m looking at a buescher alto sax serial no. 243087 at an auction.
Any advice, please ?
Regards,
Graham.
I have an Aristocrat with the numbers 381029 on the back of the horn in a curved shape. What can you tell me about this horn. Where should that serial number be located ? Thanks
I have an 89 739 Buescher saxophone, will any repair pad/pin’s fit, I see some on Amazon that look like they will fit
Hi
Buescher True Tone 1926 alto saxophone. Nr 209487.
On the back side of one of the keys (left hand pinkie) there are four tiny stars stamped into the metal.
Why is that? What for?
Thanks
Ray
I’m just trying to figure out when my school instrument was made before I get my own, it’s a Buescher BU-6 and the serial number on the back of the body is 0111732 and the engraving on the bell looks like flowers and leaves, there is no other engraving on the instrument, if someone could help me out that would be amazing, but I haven’t been able to find much on it
That’s a modern buescher student sax., not the best made, the older Bueschers are much better.
Probably made in the 2000’s.
I recently purchased a vintage Buescher Model 30A Tenor Saxophone. The serial number is 59090. Please tell me what year this saxophone was made and any other info relevant to this horn.
Thanks
The Buescher BU series of saxophones were introduced by The Selmer Company of Elkhart, Indiana sometime around 1998-9. There were three models that I was aware of: BU-4 alto, BU-5 tenor and BU-6 baritone. My sax tech, Mark Rakita of USA Horn in NJ, tells me that these saxophones were made in Taiwan. As a repair tech, his main complaint with them was the soft metal used for the keys. As Mark said, just playing the sax would cause it to need regulation after a very short time. I played a BU-6 baritone and found it to sound remarkably good. Truthfully, in 1999 I could have bought one new for $1,000. but I do not like Low A baritones. I wound up buying a used vintage Conn 12M baritone that did not have the key ergonomics of the Selmers, or even the BU-6 for that matter. But it was a Low Bb horn in good shape at a reasonable price.
Is there a reference to serial numbers and dates somewhere? I’m borrowing a Beuscher Bari sax with
“2 714747” stamped on it (there seems to be a space after the initial “2”, so I’m not sure if that’s intentional or not). There is another smaller number stamped below that, but it’s not legible anymore, although I can see on the bell “Beuscher Custom Built”, and “Low Pitch” on the bell. The etching on the bell does look very Art Deco…
I’m looking for more info based on that serial, or at least a manufacture date if possible.
Thanks for any info!
The Custom Built baritone ( 129?),should be the very best made by Buescher and indeed a Series 1 Art Deco from the late thirties !
Custom built meant on special order. There’s a lot about these rather rare type on SOTW posted by a Dutch guy Milandro ( Matthews Music ??). You should consider yourself very lucky !!! Luc from Brussels, Belgium
I have a saxaphone marked Elkhart Series 11 serial number 9079810. Have you any information on this saxaphone and also the years of manufacturer. Best Regards Carole
My father who was a jazz musician and passed his Elk Heart sax to my sister.
The number on the back :
#68043
30A
Trying to find the year or any info on his sax. Thanks
I also own a Buescher with a serial number in the 60k range. Mine is being reworked right now and my repairmen just tole me that horns in this series were made in 1920. Here is also a website that lists the serial numbers and the years they were made. Hope this helps.
https://www.saxophone.org/museum/saxophones/manufacturer/16
I have the original solid gold Sax made for Jascha Gurewich. Anybody know what it might be worth?
I would venture to say that that sax is probably sought out by collectors.
I really dont know how rare it is, but seems to be rare. The rarer the sax the more it would be worth.
Does it play ok? Is it dented, how does it look?
what will be the price of a Buescher low pitch true ton 230352.I live in Quebec Canada and the sax is new paddled and ready to play.I also have the original case also in very good shape
Hi Jean Marc,
Second hand depends a lot on exact condition and demand; I would suggest taking to a local saxophone shop to ask.
All the best
Matt