Buescher True Tone Series IV Alto Saxophone – c.1928 – Serviced & Playing
A lovely Buescher True Tone Series IV alto saxophone, serial number 235180, dating from around late 1927 / 1928.
This is one of the later and more developed True Tones, from the period immediately preceding Buescher's move towards the New Aristocrat and later Aristocrat designs.
The saxophone has now been completely stripped down, thoroughly cleaned, serviced and regulated, and is playing well throughout the full register.
It also comes in its original Buescher hard case.
Service work
I have gone through the saxophone carefully, including:
The instrument is now playing properly from top to bottom and is ready to use rather than being sold as a restoration project.
Pads
This saxophone has not received a complete new pad set.
The existing pads have been assessed during the service, with individual pads refloated or replaced where required. They are currently sealing sufficiently for the saxophone to play well throughout the register.
I prefer to retain serviceable pads rather than replace an entire set simply so that I can advertise the instrument as freshly repadded.
A playing video demonstrates the saxophone in its current setup.
Buescher True Tone Series IV
Serial number 235180 places this instrument within what is commonly referred to by collectors as the True Tone Series IV.
The Series IV represents the final development of the classic True Tone design, with features including the later-style left-hand pinky arrangement and front F key, before Buescher moved on to the New Aristocrat.
These later True Tones are particularly enjoyable instruments and retain the distinctive, open vintage Buescher sound while incorporating a number of improvements over the earlier versions.
Forked Eb trill
As is common with early saxophones of this period, the instrument has a forked Eb trill vent.
I have reversed the spring so that this vent remains closed.
This is a completely reversible adjustment and is often done because the permanently open vent can affect intonation while the trill itself is rarely required by modern players.
If the buyer would prefer it returned to its original operating arrangement, I am happy to do so before collection or postage.
Finish and condition
The saxophone has been relacquered at some point during its life.
There is some lacquer loss and normal wear, scratches and marks consistent with an instrument approaching a century old, but overall it presents very well for its age.
The finish has plenty of vintage character and the bell engraving remains attractive.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
I have concentrated on getting the saxophone clean, mechanically sound and enjoyable to play, rather than attempting to make an old instrument look artificially new.
Playing character
Following the service, the instrument plays well throughout the register and has the warm, open response associated with these vintage Bueschers.
It is very much a player's instrument rather than simply a display piece.
A playing demonstration is included so that you can hear the actual saxophone being offered.
Original Buescher case
The saxophone comes with its period Buescher hard case, which is a lovely part of the overall package and has survived remarkably well considering its age.
As with any case of this vintage, I would regard it as part of the instrument's history rather than offering the same level of protection as a modern flight case.
Included
The sale includes:
No mouthpiece, stand, harness or other accessories are included unless specifically stated.
Playing video
If on eBay a playing demonstration is included so that you can hear the actual instrument being offered.
Contact me if viewing on Reverb and I will send it to you.
Play-testing before purchase is also very welcome and encouraged.
About my saxophones
I restore vintage saxophones in my spare time because I enjoy preserving unusual and interesting instruments and bringing them back into playable condition.
My focus is primarily on getting them mechanically sound, properly regulated and enjoyable to play, rather than attempting to make old instruments look artificially new.
Each saxophone is carefully checked, regulated and play-tested before being listed, and I provide detailed photographs and a playing demonstration wherever possible.
Previous buyers have left very positive feedback about receiving vintage instruments that were ready to play, which you are welcome to view through my seller profile.
This is a very attractive example of a late Buescher True Tone Series IV, complete with its period Buescher case and now serviced, regulated and ready to play.
Collection, inspection and play-testing welcome.
Leak-tested and played in before listing.