Other finishes are custom options.Ĭonsolidated the old "Selmer 1st Gen." models. Normal (some reports of underslung option) Only difference appears to be the nickel keywork and model number.
It really is too bad that they were introduced at a time when the saxophone craze was waning, and the Great Depression was looming.Very early examples have a slightly different bell/bow design and NO model number stamped. I find these instruments extremely interesting. Most likely the horn currently for sale by Saxquest was originally sold with finish A (high polished brass), and lacquered at some point during its lifetime.įor me the lacquer doesn’t detract from the uniqueness of this horn. The Tipped Bell Buescher True Tone soprano was model 121, and note that lacquer was not finish A, E, G, J, or L. At the bottom of the price list the finishes are explained. Some further digging turned up this page on the old Saxpics site that is a vintage price list from Buescher. Among other things, this page mentions five different finishes that these horns were available in (Finish A, E, G, J, and L). I did a bit of digging, and on the old Saxpics site came up with the following page for the Tipped Bell Buescher True Tone soprano. … a couple of the left hand keys appear to have some kind of lacquer overspray on them-the kind you commonly see on older relacqs. While the engraving certainly looks crisp…
It’s interesting what they write about original lacquer.
This one is in stellar condition which makes it a very nice find for any collector or player. These vintage tip bell soprano’s are a highly sought after rare vintage American instrument. Every instrument set-up at Saxquest is professionally regulated and play tested in our shop until we are satisfied it is playing at the top of its game. The intonation and distribution of resonance across the range of the instrument is exceptionally even. It has a nice warmness to the sound but is not overly dark in anyway.
The core sound of the instrument is a nice balance between free blowing and focused, not stuffy or nasal. These horns have a very positive feeling under the fingers and are an absolute blast to play. The bell flare, body tube and neck area are in great shape and have never been pulled down or pushed in. There is some light play wear around the body but it has never received any damage. This particular Buescher is in excellent physical and cosmetic condition featuring original lacquer. They feature a tipped angle on the bell along with a slight bend to the neck at an angle towards the player. These tip bell sopranos were made at the end of the 1920’s along with the standard straight bell models.
This is an extremely rare tip bell vintage Buescher Bb soprano saxophone sax, serial number 204656. Rare! Original Lacquer Tipped Bell Buescher True Tone Soprano Sax # 204656 Presumably this downward tilt was for the player’s comfort. These Tipped Bell sopranos not only have a bell that is slightly flared upwards, but their neck is tipped as well. Currently they have a fairly rare bird listed on their eBay site: a Tipped Bell Buescher True Tone soprano. If you are a player/collector of fine, vintage saxophones, then Saxquest is a shop that you likely frequent.