buescher aristocrat 200 alto saxophone serial numbers

#BUESCHER ARISTOCRAT 200 ALTO SAXOPHONE SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBERS#
#BUESCHER ARISTOCRAT 200 ALTO SAXOPHONE SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBER#
#BUESCHER ARISTOCRAT 200 ALTO SAXOPHONE SERIAL NUMBERS SERIES#

We are going to jump over to Europe for our next manufacturer as we take a look at Keilwerth saxophones.

#BUESCHER ARISTOCRAT 200 ALTO SAXOPHONE SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBER#

If you’re looking for a classic pro horn, it’s probably best to avoid instruments made after 1963 with serial number c00501 Conn stopped making professional horns from this year and moved their factory line to North Carolina, Texas and Mexico. These instruments are right up there in sound quality and versatility with the Selmer Super Balanced Action and the legendary Mark VI.ġ934-1962 serial numbers: 260000 to 949464 What to avoid Then there are the straight tone hole models from 1948 to 1959, the redesigned model with wire keyguards from 1960 to 1971 and a version with sheet metal keyguards instead of the wire keyguards produced from 1963 to 1971. The saxophones with rolled tone holes (regarded as the best versions) were made between 19. This model can be broken down into 4 versions. The 6M refers to the alto saxophone version and the 10M is the tenor saxophone. These instruments are also referred to as ‘ Naked Lady’ because of the lady on the bell engraving.

#BUESCHER ARISTOCRAT 200 ALTO SAXOPHONE SERIAL NUMBERS SERIES#

Serial numbers: 244700 to 259999 M Series

#BUESCHER ARISTOCRAT 200 ALTO SAXOPHONE SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBERS#

The differences are subtle like differing engraving or split bell keys, so knowing your serial numbers will help you find the sax you’re looking for. Some of these horns have some features of the M Series ‘Naked Lady’ model, and other features from the Transitional New Wonder model. It can get a bit tricky to tell the difference between a Transitional and an M series. It’s not an official model name, rather a blanket term employed by collectors and players for Conn saxophones produced during this particular era. The name “Transitional” refers to the models produced between the New Wonder series and the M Series (1931-1934). Next in line is another American maker from Elkhart Indiana, the Conn saxophones.Ĭonn made some great saxophones, including these two models that we’re looking at here: the Transitional and the M series. Serial numbers: 292000 to 336999 What to avoidĪfter 1963, H&A Selmer company bought Buescher and from then on, they focused mainly on beginner and intermediate level horns so best to avoid anything with a serial number 381000 to 875000 if you’re looking for a vintage classic. As you can see there is an overlap with the serial numbers, but the above-mentioned differences between these two instruments should help you recognise whether you are dealing with the 400 or the Big B. The Big B engraving on the bell is an obvious sign that we are looking at an Aristocrat model, not a Super 400. In addition, the octave key is placed on the top of the neck as on modern saxes. These horns are different from the Super 400 in design, have a smaller bell, and the bell keys are found on the left instead of the right rear as on the 400. These instruments are the very best of the Bueschers as they put all their knowledge and experience previously acquired with the Buescher Aristocrat series and improved the design, material and comfort.Īn honorary mention from the Buescher Aristocrat series, the ‘ Big B’ model which was produced between 19. The sax maker’s most famous and arguably best model is the Buescher 400 ‘Top Hat & Cane’ / ‘Super 400’, which include both alto and tenor models produced between 19 So, let’s jump right in, starting with one of the oldest manufacturers on this list: Buescher. The reason for this is that modern sax makers such as these don’t have a history long enough to judge the quality of the horns based on their serial numbers. You might be wondering why we’ve left the likes of Yamaha and Yanagisawa from this list? There is also a big difference in quality between their models so knowing the best serial numbers will prevent you from picking out a poor-quality horn. We’ve chosen these six brands for a number of reasons.įirstly, they are some of the most well-documented saxophone manufacturers in the world. In this article, we will guide you through the different serial numbers used by six popular saxophone makers:įor companies such as Buescher, Conn, Martin and King who today mainly produce stencil and/or student models, knowing the serial number can tell you if you are looking at a potentially great instrument or something that is aimed at less experienced players.

They help identify the instrument’s exact production year and model. Serial numbers are the unique number on the back of saxophones, usually inscribed under the right thumb holder. Searching for a vintage saxophone? Understanding saxophone serial numbers can help you distinguish between a great instrument and one that’s best to avoid.

Buescher aristocrat 200 alto saxophone serial numbers