BUESCHER SUPER 400 ALTO SAXOPHONES PROFESSIONAL
The Aristocrat and 400 models remained popular with professional players through the early 1950s, until instruments with more modern keywork gained favor and changes to Buescher's product line were coldly received. Buescher adapted its sound concept to the bigger, bolder sounds favored by dance orchestras and jazz musicians, modifying its Aristocrat model and releasing the 400 "Top Hat & Cane" model in 1940.
Buescher stayed true to Adolphe Sax's concept for saxophone sound into the early 1930s, gaining the favor of classical saxophonist Sigurd Rascher and those influenced by him. During the 1920s Buescher also made small numbers of tipped-bell soprano, straight alto, and straight tenor saxophones. Buescher saxophones became distinctive with snap-in pads, patented by Buescher in 1921, and screw-in gold-plated Norton springs, introduced in late 1931. Though Buescher manufactured many kinds of brass instruments, the company was known primarily for its saxophones which competed successfully with instruments made by Conn and Martin. The "Elkhart" brand was retained by Buescher for its second-line instruments after the company was dissolved upon Beardsley's death in 1936. In 1926 Buescher Band Instrument Company was joined with the Elkhart Band Instrument Company (some claim that Buescher was bought by Elkhart Band Instrument), a company founded two years previously by Beardsley with Conn's Carl Greenleaf as secretary-treasurer. Buescher was vice-president and general manager of the company until 21 January 1929 when he resigned these positions, remaining on staff as a consultant engineer. Buescher remained president until 1919 when Beardsley assumed that title. In 1916 Buescher sold a major share of his company to six businessmen including Andrew Hubble Beardsley. In 1904 the business was reorganized and renamed the Buescher Band Instrument Company, reflecting its sole focus on producing band instruments. In 1903 there was a disastrous fire at Buescher's factory. True Tone became the trademark name for band instruments made by the Buescher Manufacturing Company. In March 1901 he patented a cornet unusual in that the valves were of unequal lengths. In 1894 his company began production of saxophones, becoming Conn's main competitor over the following two decades. Collins, a clothing merchant, and Harry L. Main Street, which made band instruments and other metal products, in partnership with John L. In the fall of 1893 he opened the Buescher Manufacturing Company at 1119 N. In 1890, while still employed with Conn, he began producing band emblems at home and was setting up his own shop. Lefebre in 1888 he produced Conn's first saxophone prototype. After being shown an Adolph Sax model saxophone in possession of E.A. Conn's fledgling band instrument factory. He accompanied his family to Goshen, Indiana and then to Elkhart in 1875. I also have the matching tenor, already overhauled, if you are interested in a matched set.The company was founded by Ferdinand August "Gus" Buescher (born Elk Township, Noble County, Ohio 26 April 1861 died Elkhart, Indiana 29 November 1937). Only one available, and priced quite low to sell quickly. The Buescher Top Hat and Cane altos are the creme de la creme of Buescher altos, and they are quite hard to find in this sort of condition. These are built extremely well, and they stay in adjustment very well down the road. Just get the pads replaced by the repair shop of your choice, and you will have an alto that sounds bigger, sweeter, and more complex than any of the modern alto options, that tunes excellently, and that looks gorgeous. Everything you look for in a top quality Buescher is here. It has the snaps and spuds intact, as well as the gold plated Norton springs. Even on the original pads, this alto still plays surprisingly well. It has the original case in good condition. This alto has no resolders, no dents, and only light play wear on the original lacquer. If you have been looking for an alto that has the sweet, dynamic, moderately-focused Buescher tone, and that looks beautiful, and is in uncommonly good original condition, look no further. Don’t miss the little details that take these horns from good to great, like the silver “tone ring” under the bell lip, the underslung octave key, and the raised Buescher logo in the engraving. This is the most deluxe saxophone that Buescher produced, with deluxe engraving, fast keywork, and Buescher’s signature top quality intonation. Beautiful original lacquer, original pads Buescher Super 400 alto ‘Top Hat & Cane’ model.