Expert: Kenton Scott - 2/22/2010

Question
My family has inherited a saxophone.  It looks silver with maybe a gold tint.  It appears to b in good condition.  I cant make out the stencil because of tarnish.  It appears to be some german name maybe beushier.  It's # is 64032 and says low pitch, tru tone and the patent of Dec. 4th 1914.  My son wants to play it in band. How do I find out it's age?  What can I clean it with?  It does have pearl on all keys, is that real?  My family believes it was made in 1907.  It does say it was made in Elkhart, Indiana.  So can it possibly be that old.  Also I've been told it can cost up to $500 to have it redone and ready to play. Is that a fair estimate?  I can get a new sax for him at the school cheaper.  what are my best options?  Can you offer some guidance, because everything I've found on the internet is very confusing.  Thanks

Answer
It is no spring chicken,  it dates to 1920.  Buescher made excellent saxophones, and being low pitch it would play in tune with modern instruments. The price to bring it up to playing condition is plausible. Saxes aren't really my area, but I believe that for the cost of reconditioning it, you probably will have a better horn, than you could get for that money.