


This horn is in very good condition, and the typical wear around the fine engraving of the B on the bell is not present, which indicates that this horn has led a life mostly in a closet somewhere. This is a 1949 Buescher “Big B” Aristocrat, so named for the ornate engraving of a, well, a Big B on the bell.

If you’ve been thinking of owning a pre-war Buescher Aristocrat tenor, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one. This horn is in the shape you want, with an overhaul that is ready to play well for years from the moment you open the case. This is the nicest Aristocrat tenor I have ever seen, and it plays exceptionally well. The engraving is the proper “art deco” style for this model, and like the rest of the horn is in exceptionally fine condition. The ergonomics are quite good, and when done well- as this overhaul was- they are light and slick under the fingers. These horns are known for their excellent intonation and rich, sweet tone- but they can also roar given the right mouthpiece, and they are quite mouthpiece friendly in my experience. The lacquer is original, nearly flawless, and this horn appears to have sat in its original case for much of its life until very recently, when it had the good fortune to be overhauled very well by someone who obviously knows Bueschers. This is a 1938 Buescher Aristocrat Series I tenor saxophone in pristine physical condition with a very well done fresh overhaul that retained all of the original Snap-on resonators. It is on consignment for a discriminating saxophone collector who is reducing the size of his collection and letting some of his prized horns go.

The adjustment takes most players a couple of weeks but is well worth it for the sound you get. It is not very common to find such a clean example like this. The keywork is fast and comfortable – you just have to get used to the LH pinky table if you are already used to a modern horn. The sound is rich and medium between bright and dark, with plenty of power when you want it, but also with the ability to play beautifully and right in tune on lyrical passages. This horn is in beautiful and very clean condition overall and the main thing you notice is that it looks great. This model is the pinnacle of Buescher’s saxophone manufacturing, and it is known for its great build quality, big sound, and excellent intonation. The color is actually a bit darker than the photos, and more honey-colored. This is a beautiful original lacquer Buescher 400 Top Hat and Cane alto SN# 313xxx, with all original pads and snaps intact. This saxophone is sold! But click HERE to see our current selection of alto saxophones.
