Antique Musical Instruments/Beuscher Saxophone

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Expert: - 7/6/2006


Question
I purchased a Beuscher 400 tenor saxophone 24 years ago, secondhand. I have in the last 2 years started playing after a 20 year break. It plays no problem, although I would like a better mouthpiece.

However I know nothing about it. Who and when was it made? Is it a student model, semi-professional or professional model? Will I have any maintenance issues when the time arises? Are there any special measures I should take to look after it?
Regards,
Luke

Answer
It sort of depends on how old it is.  The 400 was introduced after WWII, and was their top of the line.  And, the early models are preferred.  Buescher was purchased by Selmer in 1963 (serial # 38100) and these are less desired.

Should be a good horn, take care of it, there shouldn't be particular maintenance issues.  

Antique Musical Instruments

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Kenton Scott

Expertise

Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

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I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.

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