Expert: Eugene Cantera - 11/7/2009

Question
I recently bought a saxophone that I was told was a 1965 Buescher Aristocrat Tenor.  The serial number is 443XXX.  Is that truly a 1965 and was it one that was made before Bundy took over?  I only know what I have read online and was hoping that I had gotten a good used tenor for my son.  Can you give me any more information about this model?

Answer
Your serial number dates the horn to 1965 -  after the Selmer take over which occurred toward the end of 1963 and into 1964.  Unfortunately it makes your tenor most likely a 'student' horn.  So you were told correctly, it is a Buescher Aristocrat, they just left out that it was made by Selmer and stenciled with the Buescher name.  Even if the horn had preceded the take-over date by a year or two, it most likely would not add any significant value.  By this time the Buescher Co. was making the Aristocrat III (between 1959 and '63) and these were no regarded as their strongest horns.

If your son is a beginner or even intermediate player, this horn (although outdated) will be fine.  If he is in high school or has plans to continue into high school, it would be wise to get hi a more 'modern' instrument.