Buescher

Ferdinand Q. “Gus” BUESCHER worked for CONN from 1875 to 1888 (someone tells till 1895); he was the first to attend to manufacture of early saxophones made in USA like Responsible for project inside Conn-Elkhart factory.

The first saxophone produced by Buescher for Conn was probably an Alto Adolphe Sax copy property of Edouard Lefèbre, one of the most famous virtuoso of this instrument and Adolphe sax friend. In fact Lefèbre was engaged like Conn-adviser. It seems the Buescher Band Instrument Company was founded just in 1888 at Elkhart and at the beginning produced only a Brasswinds line; only any year after it begins saxophones and woodwinds productions.

Early saxophones considerable line was called: “TRUETONE” (after it becomes a slogan of Buescher brand). The Truetone was one of most popular and sold saxophones in 20’s ; really it was one of few wind instruments which assured a valuable mechanics, building care with a excellent intonation.

From 1915 to 1930 ca. Buescher Company extended saxophones range and beyond a Eb Alto, Bb Tenor and a Bb Soprano, also with an Eb Sopranino, a C Soprano, a Bb Curved Soprano, a “C Melody” (or C tenor) one of the last A.Sax “survivors”(indeed in a first time Adolphe Sax projected and produced his saxophones especially for a C and F tonality), a Bb Bass and a strange innovative “Straight Eb Alto”.

Ferdinand Q. Buescher remained with his Company since 1930, with different assignments; the research and productions still continued with many valid craftsmen and musicians, probably they were formed, influenced widely by himself.

Maybe between 1930 and 1934 was introduced in a first time the New ARISTOCRAT” model, after called “ARISTOCRAT”: made only as Tenor, Alto and Baritone, certainly with improvements in mechanics and intonation. A lucky series of Aristocrat saxophones was made during second half of 40’s since early 50’s, usually it has been known as “BigB” : many people says “BigB” was one of best saxophones ever produced in Usa: this series took its name from a big “B” of Buescher with other 30’s-ArtDecò decorations engraved on the bell.

After in the 40’s was produced, the “400” Models with more large bell / interior cane, often it was made with silver-plated keys, lacquered body and beautiful, flowing engraving too. The most famous “400” series, well known by all saxophone players was called “Top Hat and Cane” it had a big, large engraving with many decorations (particularly with a hat on middle of the bell), and a brace over all rim bell too.

Before of WWII Buescher Co. produced also for SELMER-Paris another famous saxophone, actually very rare, known as “Padless” models, just a sax without Pads, an innovative project, but it wasn’t continued.

During the WWII Buescher was reconverted for Arms industry like Conn and other musical instrument industries.

After the war, foreign demand and past successes it begins to be lacking; so with ups and downs Buescher Co. risked bankruptcy and definitive closing.

But in 1963 it was purchased from the same Selmer Company; However from this moment, the Buescher produced only a student saxophone line similar to Selmer-Bundy line